Attempts to reach a long-term settlement between the US and Iran have failed, as high-level talks will not take place. Instead, the parties will focus on technical consultations.
- The US and Iran will not hold high-level talks.
- Only technical consultations will take place in Doha.
- It remains to be seen whether the temporary ceasefire will be observed.
- Iran continues to tighten its grip on the Strait of Hormuz.
- The US accuses Tehran of attacking civilian vessels.
The talks will not take place
The situation surrounding the talks between the US and Iran in Qatar has become more complicated. The US Special Representative Steve Witkoff and the US President’s son-in-law Jared Kushner They have arrived in Doha, but high-level talks will not take place. Representatives from Qatar and Iran have confirmed that the parties will limit themselves to technical consultations on security, the economy and the nuclear programme.
«No meetings between senior US and Iranian officials are planned in the near future,» said Majed Al-Ansari, a spokesperson for the Qatari Foreign Ministry.
The technical consultations will include discussions on the ceasefire, regional security issues, economic cooperation and the future of Iran’s nuclear programme. Only then can the parties move on to political negotiations.
The interim agreement is under threat
On 17 June, the US and Iran signed 14-point interim agreement, which provided for a 60-day period to prepare a permanent peace settlement. However, the latest reciprocal strikes have cast doubt on the implementation of these agreements. The agreement included a cessation of hostilities, negotiations on the nuclear programme, the gradual unfreezing of frozen assets and the reopening of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Control of the Strait of Hormuz
Strait of Hormuz remains of critical importance to both sides. Iran has stated its intention to monitor shipping traffic in conjunction with Oman, introducing special fees for vessels and stepping up controls over shipping routes. Washington claims that Iran has attacked two commercial vessels in recent days, prompting US strikes on Iranian military targets.
Market reaction
Global oil prices continue to fall, despite diplomatic uncertainty. Investors are hoping that a major escalation in the region is now behind us. However, the UN warns that many countries will continue to feel the effects of the war due to high prices for fuel, logistics and food.
