US-Iran Doha talks end without breakthrough as Trump says diplomacy progressing
Indirect negotiations between the United States and Iran in Doha ended without a major breakthrough on Wednesday, despite US President Donald Trump expressing optimism about the state of discussions.
The talks, conducted through mediators rather than direct meetings between US and Iranian officials, reportedly concluded in a stalemate after focusing mainly on issues that had already been discussed. Iranian officials maintained that Tehran would not proceed with the remaining provisions of an existing memorandum of understanding (MoU) until the initial commitments had been fully implemented and stabilised.
Speaking to reporters, Trump said efforts to curb Iran’s nuclear programme were progressing, describing recent meetings in Qatar as positive. He also dismissed suggestions that Washington was preparing for another full-scale military confrontation with Tehran.
Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff and adviser Jared Kushner travelled to Qatar to meet with mediators, although no direct talks were held with Iranian representatives.
According to reports, the US administration continues to favour diplomacy, believing renewed military action could undermine ongoing efforts to limit Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
Meanwhile, US Vice President JD Vance said Washington would only consider returning to combat if there was a clearly defined objective. He stressed that President Trump had instructed officials to continue pursuing a diplomatic agreement, although he acknowledged future decisions would depend on Iran’s actions.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi warned that Tehran would respond swiftly to any threat against its people or leadership. His remarks followed comments by Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz, who reportedly described Iran’s supreme leader as a target.
Iran also announced that discussions in Doha had concluded with agreements to establish a mechanism for addressing alleged violations of the MoU. Officials said arrangements had also been reached to allow the use of $6 billion in frozen Iranian funds to purchase essential goods.
The negotiations are aimed at preserving a ceasefire reached after months of conflict involving the US, Israel and Iran, while also addressing security in the Strait of Hormuz and laying the groundwork for a broader peace agreement.
Elsewhere, the US military confirmed that one service member remained missing after an MH-60S Seahawk helicopter made an emergency landing in the Arabian Sea. Three other personnel were injured and were reported to be in stable condition, while search and rescue operations continued. Authorities said there was no indication that hostile action caused the incident, and an investigation is underway.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz also urged an end to hostilities in the Middle East, saying a lasting ceasefire must be achieved before discussions on rebuilding damaged infrastructure in the region can begin.
