U.S. Deputy Secretary Van says Doha talks with Iran are progressing but remain early

U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Jay Van told reporters that the indirect negotiations with Iran in Doha are going well, but emphasized that it is still early and that any decision to resume large‑scale military action depends on Tehran's behavior. He reiterated that President Trump has not ordered a new deployment of U.S. forces unless a clear purpose emerges, adding that a restart of Iran’s nuclear program or renewed attacks on commercial shipping would change the calculus.

President Donald Trump later described the de‑nuclearisation process as “moving very well,” noting progress in technical issues such as reopening navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and the release of Iranian‑held funds. The talks, mediated by Qatar and Pakistan, focused on these immediate confidence‑building measures, with the next round scheduled after the funeral of Iran’s late Supreme Leader. Both sides acknowledged that the nuclear question was not addressed in the current session and will be tackled in a later phase.

The negotiations aim to sustain the limited maritime traffic that accounts for about one‑fifth of global oil and gas shipments, while keeping the broader dispute over Iran’s nuclear activities under diplomatic review.