U.S. and Iran conclude talks with no progress

In Short:
– Iran and the U.S. held indirect talks in Doha but made no significant progress towards lasting peace.
– Discussions covered maritime traffic and financial incentives, but did not directly address Iran’s nuclear program.

DOHA/DUBAI/WASHINGTON, July 1 – Iran and the U.S. concluded indirect talks in Doha with no significant progress on lasting peace, revisiting previously resolved issues.Negotiators discussed maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz and financial incentives for Iran, which were central to the agreement made in June.

Iran U.S. discussions

U.S. President Donald Trump indicated progress on limits to Iran’s nuclear program, a key reason for the conflict that began in February.

Negotiations did not directly address the nuclear issue, according to sources, and U.S. Vice President JD Vance said it would be discussed later.

The two parties communicated through mediators from Qatar and Pakistan rather than meeting directly.

Trump’s advisers, including Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, did not attend the negotiations.

Kazem Gharibabadi, leading Iran’s delegation, confirmed the talks had concluded without any announced resolutions.

JD Vance on Iran:

One of the things I find just fascinating and frustrating about the Iranians is they’ll say, “No, no, there aren’t peace talks ongoing,” but there are technical talks between the United States and Iran about the peace deal.

It’s a Persian negotiating tactic… pic.twitter.com/eNd8t15TTl

— Clash Report (@clashreport) June 30, 2026

WHO CONTROLS THE STRAIT?

The initial agreement sought to resume shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, significant for global oil and gas transport.

Although shipping has partially resumed, the situation remains unclear following an Iranian attack on a cargo ship.

Iran aims for recognition of its authority over the strait and indicated plans to impose tolls on shipping starting in mid-August.

Trump downplayed the risk of escalating conflict, suggesting substantial progress had been made.

Oil prices dropped to a four-month low following his comments, prompting analysts to decrease forecasts for future prices.

Iranian state media reported a foreign container ship had run aground outside designated shipping routes.

Vandana Hari, founder of Vanda Insights, characterised shipping through Hormuz as unpredictable and partially reopened.

Several European nations offered assistance in clearing mines from the Strait, but Germany opted out, citing Tehran’s lack of cooperation.