US President Donald Trump stated on Wednesday that the United States was making good progress with Iran following technical discussions in Qatar. He voiced optimism that steps to limit Tehran’s nuclear activities and achieve a lasting ceasefire were advancing.
“Meetings have gone well, and we will see the results,” Trump told reporters. He noted that the US had applied strong pressure over three nights yet relations were improving, describing the process as denuclearization.
On the question of negotiations, Trump said the two sides had advanced considerably and stressed that Iran must not obtain a nuclear weapon.
The Doha talks, mediated by Qatar and Pakistan, aim to guarantee free shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and secure a permanent ceasefire after recent conflict. They rest on a 14-point interim accord signed last month that ended fighting after US-Israeli strikes, reopened the waterway, and allowed 60 days for broader peace talks.
Although Trump spoke of denuclearization, the current discussions focus mainly on maritime security and economic issues.
Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff helped prepare the diplomatic effort but did not join the technical sessions. Iran’s delegation was led by Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi and included officials from the foreign ministry, central bank and agriculture ministry.
Iran seeks recognition of its role in managing Hormuz shipping and the release of $6 billion in frozen assets. The US seeks guarantees of uninterrupted commercial traffic through the strait, which once carried about one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas trade.
Traffic through the waterway has started to recover, though conditions stay fragile. The interim accord also covers ending parallel hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. Diplomatic work continues on a separate Israel-Lebanon security framework, despite Hezbollah’s rejection of the proposal.
