Iran has rejected the prospect of direct talks with senior US envoys who recently travelled to the region in the wake of renewed hostilities, underscoring continued uncertainty over efforts to stabilise relations between the two countries.
Iranian officials say outstanding issues linked to a ceasefire agreement signed two weeks ago must be resolved before broader negotiations can take place, including any discussion of potential limits on its nuclear programme.
The position highlights persistent gaps between the two sides over the foundations of a proposed framework, which reportedly envisages Iran easing restrictions on traffic through the Strait of Hormuz in return for economic incentives, alongside a 60-day negotiating window aimed at securing a longer-term settlement.
US presidential adviser Jared Kushner and envoy Steve Witkoff arrived in Doha for what the White House described as “high-level” discussions. However, both Iranian and Qatari officials indicated that engagement would be limited to indirect talks via mediators rather than face-to-face meetings with Iranian representatives.
Qatar confirmed that Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani was among those meeting the US delegation. Iranian officials, however, maintained that no direct meetings had been scheduled, with foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei reiterating that none were planned in the coming days.
According to Qatar’s foreign ministry, lower-level technical discussions were still expected to proceed.
Diplomacy stalls amid heightened tensions
The diplomatic impasse comes as Washington weighs its next steps. Reports suggest US President Donald Trump has considered escalating military pressure, including potential strikes, while also keeping a diplomatic track open. The Wall Street Journal reported that internal discussions have taken place with senior defence officials, though this has not been independently confirmed.
For now, the administration appears to be maintaining space for negotiations, even as public rhetoric towards Iran remains confrontational.
Meanwhile, commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has partially resumed following earlier disruption. The waterway—vital to global energy supplies—previously carried around one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas flows before the recent escalation.
Iran has asserted that it retains authority, alongside Oman, over the management of maritime traffic in the strait and has signalled its intention to introduce tolls once the current 60-day negotiating period expires. Tehran’s leadership has framed this as an issue of sovereignty.
US Vice President JD Vance rejected that position, stating that Iran would not be permitted to impose charges on international shipping through the passage. He also claimed that oil flows had largely returned to pre-conflict levels, though he did not provide supporting data.
Economic and regional spillovers
Oil markets have eased since the latest round of strikes on Iranian military infrastructure and retaliatory attacks on US-linked sites in the Gulf region. However, analysts warn that broader economic risks remain, particularly for vulnerable economies exposed to higher food and fuel prices.
A UN trade body has cautioned that inflationary pressures linked to the conflict could persist even if energy markets stabilise.
The confrontation has also added political pressure on Washington ahead of upcoming US midterm elections, with domestic debate intensifying over energy prices and foreign policy risks.
Beyond Iran, the wider regional framework remains fragile. Proposed arrangements linking de-escalation in Lebanon to tensions involving Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah continue to face political resistance, with Lebanese officials questioning whether any agreement can be implemented without addressing core military and territorial disputes.
Overall, the situation remains defined by parallel tracks of cautious diplomacy, military signalling, and unresolved structural disagreements—leaving the outlook for a durable settlement uncertain.