US, Iran officials hold indirect talks in Qatar to try to end war: diplomat

President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that Iran has requested and agreed to peace talks in Doha, Qatar, scheduled for Tuesday. This comes after a weekend of escalating exchanges of fire between the US and Iran in the Strait of Hormuz, which threatened a ceasefire. The tit-for-tat attacks involved Iran targeting a cargo ship and the US launching retaliatory strikes against Iranian military infrastructure. The White House confirmed a US delegation, including envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, will attend. Reports suggest the talks may also address Iran's nuclear program and aim to prevent further conflict.

Over the weekend, the US and Iran engaged in an exchange of strikes, with the US retaliating against Iranian targets in response to alleged "continued aggression" against commercial shipping. Iran subsequently struck US bases in Kuwait and Bahrain, though the US reported no casualties or damage. These events occurred amidst heightened tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial shipping route. Separately, the US mediated a peace framework agreement between Israel and Lebanon, which faced rejection from Hezbollah's leader. Following this, Israel struck a Hezbollah tunnel in southern Lebanon, an action the US was informed of beforehand.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has escalated military confrontations in the Strait of Hormuz, jeopardizing a recent memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the United States. Following two nights of strikes, including missile and drone attacks on US bases in Kuwait and Bahrain, the IRGC stated these actions were retaliation for US strikes and threatened further action if the deal is violated. The IRGC's actions aim to force maritime traffic through Iranian waters, disrupting US-coordinated transit. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced Iran would manage the strait for 30 days and reiterated the MoU's clause for an immediate end to military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon. This comes as a US-brokered framework agreement allowing Israeli forces in southern Lebanon until Hezbollah is disarmed has been rejected by Hezbollah and appears to contradict the MoU. Iranian markets have reacted negatively to the military exchanges.

Officials from the United States and Iran have begun indirect talks in Doha, Qatar, with the aim of ending the Middle East war. A diplomat with knowledge of the negotiations confirmed that these discussions are underway, with Qatari and Pakistani mediators facilitating the process. These talks are reportedly based on a memorandum of understanding and build upon progress made at the Lake Lucerne Summit in June. The specific details of the memorandum and the progress at the summit are not elaborated upon in the provided content. The diplomat spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the discussions.

Iranian officials are expected in Doha for talks with Qatari mediators, following the arrival of US negotiators. The discussions aim to restart direct talks between Tehran and Washington, building on a memorandum of understanding signed in June that extended a ceasefire and outlined negotiations on issues like the Strait of Hormuz, frozen assets, sanctions relief, and Iran's nuclear program. While the US states technical talks are ongoing, Iran denies direct negotiations, stating they will engage in indirect talks with Qatar regarding the MoU and the release of frozen funds. Tensions have risen recently due to incidents involving the Strait of Hormuz and military actions.

US envoys arrived in Doha, Qatar, for high-level meetings with mediators to discuss regional issues, including negotiations with Iran, Lebanon, and other matters. Qatar's foreign ministry spokesman confirmed that no direct talks or high-level meetings between the US and Iranian officials are scheduled. This comes after recent exchanges of strikes in the Strait of Hormuz, which began when Iran attacked a cargo ship. A communication line was reportedly established to ensure the safe passage of commercial vessels through the strait, with a US official stating both sides would "stand down for now." However, Iran's deputy foreign minister denied plans for technical talks this week, while President Trump claimed Iran had requested a meeting in Doha.

Iran views control over the Strait of Hormuz as a crucial bargaining chip in negotiations with the US, leading to a dispute over its reopening. Iran insists on retaining sole decision-making power regarding the strait's blockade, rejecting proposals for alternative routes that involve other nations, such as a southern route near Oman developed with the UN's International Maritime Organization. This Iranian stance led to the abandonment of the southern route plan after an attack on a Singaporean ship. Meanwhile, Oman has developed a detailed plan for the strait's future management, aiming to ensure income for littoral states through voluntary contributions or service fees, adhering to international law. Oman's diplomatic efforts aim to gain Iran's support for its plan, which could prevent the need for a Western naval taskforce.

The White House has denied a split between Deputy President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio regarding US policy on Iran and Lebanon. Vance defended a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Iran, emphasizing progress and a foundation for a final deal, while also criticizing Israel's military tactics in Lebanon. In contrast, Rubio avoided criticizing Israel, instead focusing on reassuring Gulf allies and condemning the Iranian government. Vance led talks with Iran in Switzerland, while Rubio visited the Middle East to address concerns about the MoU. Despite seemingly diverging public statements, the White House maintains unity on these foreign policy issues.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is visiting Pakistan for talks aimed at mediating a permanent end to the Middle East war. This visit occurs as technical teams finalize details of a potential deal between Iran and the U.S., following high-level negotiations in Switzerland. Discrepancies have emerged regarding agreed-upon terms, particularly concerning International Atomic Energy Agency inspections of Iranian nuclear sites, which Iran disputes. Violence has also resurfaced in Lebanon between Israel and Hezbollah, threatening the fragile ceasefire and potentially impacting the broader diplomatic process. During initial talks, Iran and the U.S. agreed to establish a "de-confliction cell" for the Lebanon conflict and discussed mechanisms to keep the Strait of Hormuz open.

The UN's International Maritime Organization (IMO) will evacuate over 11,000 sailors stranded in the Gulf, a large-scale operation to be conducted with cooperation from Iran, Oman, the US, and other regional states. This action follows an interim deal to end the US-Israel war against Iran, though disagreements persist over the Memorandum of Understanding's details. While the US claims the MoU includes IAEA inspections of Iran's nuclear weapons program, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that missiles are not part of the agreement and Iran will not negotiate its defense capabilities. A US official countered that Iran has agreed to inspections of its nuclear weapons program remains.

On day 118 of the war, Iran's Revolutionary Guard warned ships against using an unapproved shipping route in the Strait of Hormuz, stating it was established without Tehran's consent and vessels must use Iranian-designated corridors. This warning comes as US Secretary of State Marco Rubio meets with Gulf Cooperation Council leaders in Bahrain to reassure them of US security commitments amidst ongoing nuclear program discussions. The International Atomic Energy Agency plans to resume inspections, but Iran insists this will only happen after a final agreement with the US. Meanwhile, tensions persist in Lebanon with an Israeli strike killing two people, and Israel stating its forces will remain in southern Lebanon regardless of US calls for withdrawal.

Washington is set to host new talks between Israel and Lebanon this week, following a renewed ceasefire announcement. Iran has made a ceasefire in Lebanon a crucial condition for its ongoing negotiations with the US. These talks are occurring amidst a backdrop of significant conflict, with over 4,000 casualties reported in Lebanon due to Israeli attacks since March. Mediators Qatar and Pakistan have reported progress between the US and Iran, leading to a roadmap that includes a "de-confliction cell" to oversee the cessation of military operations in Lebanon. While the US aims to protect Lebanon's sovereignty and Israel's security, Hezbollah has condemned the talks, demanding a full Israeli withdrawal. Israel, however, has repeatedly stated its intention to remain in occupied areas of Lebanon indefinitely.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will meet with allies in the UAE, Kuwait, and Bahrain this week to address concerns about a recent 60-day ceasefire deal with Iran. While Qatar helped mediate the agreement, these Gulf nations fear that unfrozen Iranian assets, potentially totaling billions, could fund Iran's military. Rubio aims to reassure them of continued US security commitment. The article notes division within the Gulf over the deal, with some countries expressing apprehension about Iran's potential gains. Iran, meanwhile, disputes US claims about how unfrozen assets can be used and the extent of nuclear inspection agreements.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio concluded a Middle East trip in Bahrain, meeting with Gulf Arab foreign ministers. Rubio assured allies that any potential deal with Iran would consider their security interests. The trip aimed to address deep reservations Gulf partners hold regarding a preliminary accord with Iran. Many of these allies view the deal as too lenient, especially after experiencing Iranian attacks and disruptions to oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz. Rubio stated that the US seeks a lasting peace with Iran that does not compromise the security of its regional allies.

Iran's foreign ministry stated it made no new commitments regarding nuclear site inspections following talks in Switzerland. US Vice President Vance reported that Iranian negotiators had threatened to leave the discussions after President Trump issued a warning on Truth Social. Vance stated he informed the Iranian side that Trump's remarks were a response to Iranian "trash talk." President Trump later reiterated his stance, saying he would act if Iran did not uphold its agreement or behave appropriately. Mediators from Qatar and Pakistan announced the establishment of a communication line to prevent incidents and ensure safe passage for commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. Additionally, a de-confliction cell was agreed upon between the US, Iran, and Lebanon, facilitated by the mediators, to end military operations in Lebanon. Iran's Foreign Minister identified Lebanon as the first "real test" for these agreements.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is visiting the Gulf region to reassure allies about security concerns related to a memorandum of understanding with Iran. The agreement aims to extend a ceasefire and work towards ending a war that began with U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran. Iran subsequently attacked Gulf Cooperation Council countries, including the UAE, Kuwait, and Qatar. Rubio met with UAE leaders in Abu Dhabi and plans to visit Kuwait and Bahrain. He stated the U.S. wants to ensure allies' views and security concerns are considered as talks continue for 60 days to address issues like Iran's nuclear program.

Iran stated it conducted strikes on Saturday targeting entities associated with US forces, claiming these actions were a response to US airstrikes on its southern coastal surveillance facilities. Iran's foreign ministry described its attacks as "defensive" and alleged the US strikes violated the UN Charter. Subsequently, Bahrain, which hosts the US Navy's Fifth Fleet, reported an Iranian drone attack on its territory. Bahrain condemned this as a violation of its sovereignty and a security threat, asserting its right to self-defense. Both nations accused each other of breaching a recent agreement intended to end a four-month conflict.