Qatar has confirmed that technical-level talks between the United States and Iran are continuing, as mediators work to ease regional tensions and safeguard maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz.
Speaking at a weekly briefing, Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari said the visit of U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Doha is part of broader consultations with regional mediators on issues including Iran, Lebanon and wider Middle East stability.
Al Ansari clarified that while no high-level U.S.-Iran negotiations are currently taking place, technical discussions between Iranian and American delegations have continued—both directly and indirectly—following earlier talks in Lausanne.
He said Qatar remains committed to the agreed mediation framework, under which technical negotiations continue between rounds of senior-level talks. Delegations remain engaged through multiple channels to maintain diplomatic momentum.
Addressing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, Al Ansari said Qatar has been working to prevent further escalation while emphasizing that freedom of navigation through the strategic waterway must be respected. He noted that maritime security, Iran’s nuclear program and broader regional stability remain central to the ongoing negotiations.
The spokesperson also addressed frozen Iranian assets linked to a 2023 U.S.-Iran humanitarian agreement, saying Qatar serves only as the financial intermediary. Any release of the funds depends on mutual agreement between Washington and Tehran and progress in negotiations.
Qatar is continuing to coordinate closely with regional partners, including Oman, to support safe shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and advance diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalation.
Al Ansari reiterated that dialogue remains the only viable path to resolving regional disputes, adding that current diplomatic efforts include work on a ceasefire framework, a memorandum of understanding and continued negotiations toward a lasting peace agreement.
