US-Iran Indirect Talks Conclude in Doha

Indirect talks between the US and Iran concluded in Doha, Qatar, with mediators reporting 'positive progress' on issues related to an interim memorandum of understanding. The discussions, which involved Qatari and Pakistani mediators, focused on maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz and the release of frozen Iranian assets. Despite US President Donald Trump's optimistic remarks about progress on denuclearization, Iranian officials, including Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi and Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei, denied any direct talks with the US, emphasizing that discussions were technical and with mediators. Key US envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff were present in Doha for high-level meetings with Qatari officials but did not directly participate in the technical sessions with the Iranian delegation. The next round of talks is scheduled after the funeral of Iran's late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The Strait of Hormuz remains a central point of contention, with Iran asserting its right to control the waterway and potentially impose tolls, a stance opposed by the US and its allies. Recent exchanges of fire in the Gulf and the ongoing conflict in Lebanon involving Hezbollah and Israel underscore the fragility of the ceasefire and the complex challenges in achieving a lasting peace deal. The easing of tensions has led to a fall in oil prices, but market analysts caution that lingering geopolitical risks could still impact prices.