Officials from the United States and Iran are holding indirect, low-level technical talks in Doha, Qatar, on Wednesday, with discussions facilitated by Qatari and Pakistani mediators. This development comes as Iran and Qatar also engage in talks regarding the implementation of Tehran’s agreement with the U.S. concerning its frozen assets, according to Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei.
Cargo Ship Runs Aground in Strait of Hormuz
Iranian state broadcaster IRIB reported that a foreign-flagged container ship has run aground in the Strait of Hormuz after deviating from its planned shipping route. The ship became stuck after entering shallow waters outside the corridor approved by Iran, as reported by CBS News. Authorities in Iran stated that the designated entry and exit route for ships passing through the strait runs south of Larak Island. Iran’s military has repeatedly warned ship captains, owners, and shipping companies that traveling outside the approved route could make them a target.
Travel through the waterway is coordinated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ navy, which may involve paying tolls. Ships are given scheduled passage and security escort as they enter and exit the travel route, Iranian officials noted. Iran recently denounced an alternate route closer to the coastline that was announced by Oman and the United Nations’ International Maritime Organization.
Israeli Defence Minister Warns of Possible Third Strike on Iran
Israel Katz, Israel’s Defence Minister, stated that the country could strike Iran again “if it deemed it necessary” despite U.S. efforts to pursue diplomacy. During a memorial ceremony for those killed in the 2006 war in Lebanon, Katz said, “We have attacked twice with proactive, preemptive strikes in Iran and, if necessary, we will strike a third time as well.” He also indicated that Israeli forces will remain indefinitely in “security zones” in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza to protect Israeli communities, according to Al Jazeera.
Iran-Qatar Talks Focus on U.S. Agreement and Frozen Assets
Discussions between Iran and Qatar on Wednesday will involve the implementation of Iran’s agreement with the U.S. and its frozen assets, according to Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei. He stated that the talks would cover “discussion with the Qatari side on the implementation of some provisions of the memorandum of understanding, including the provision concerning the release of Iran’s restricted assets,” per CNN. Baghaei also noted that Tehran’s negotiating team had no plan to meet with the U.S. delegation in the coming days.
On Tuesday, Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari confirmed that $6 billion of Iran’s frozen funds have not yet been transferred to Tehran, but said this would happen “according to the advancement of negotiations.”
U.S. and Iranian Officials Engage in Indirect Talks
American and Iranian officials are holding indirect, low-level technical talks in Doha, Qatar, according to a CNN source. The discussions are being conducted through Qatari and Pakistani mediators. On Tuesday, U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner met with Qatar’s prime minister in Doha to lay the groundwork for Wednesday’s indirect negotiations, CNN reported. Witkoff and Kushner will not be attending the talks themselves.
