Indirect US-Iran technical talks underway in Doha as mediators push for deal

U.S. and Iranian officials are holding indirect technical talks in Doha on Wednesday, part of an effort to advance a deal to end the Middle East war.

Qatar and Pakistan are mediating the discussions, according to sources familiar with the matter.

Who is mediating the US-Iran talks in Doha?

Qatar and Pakistan are serving as mediators in the indirect technical talks. A source with direct knowledge said U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, President Trump's son-in-law, met Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani on Tuesday to prepare for Wednesday's sessions. Neither Witkoff nor Kushner is attending the technical talks themselves.

A diplomat with knowledge of the discussions confirmed the development separately with AFP. The diplomat said the talks center on a memorandum of understanding that builds on progress made at the Lake Lucerne Summit. Both Washington and Tehran had previously said they would send officials to the Qatar meetings.

What does the US-Iran memorandum of understanding include?

According to the diplomat, the memorandum brokered by Qatar and Pakistan includes a 60-day ceasefire in the war that began with U.S.-Israeli strikes on Feb. 28.

It also covers the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and a timeline for reaching a final agreement on the war and Iran's nuclear program.

Why did Iran reject direct talks with the US?

Iranian officials traveled to Doha on Wednesday, but Tehran rejected an earlier statement by President Trump that direct talks would take place. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei confirmed that Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi would lead Iran's delegation. Baqaei said the officials have no plans for negotiations with the American side at any level in the coming days.

What did Qatar's Foreign Ministry say about the talks?

Qatar's Foreign Ministry said separately that Kushner and Witkoff met Sheikh Mohammed on Tuesday. In a statement, the ministry said the three discussed the ongoing talks between the United States and Iran within the framework of the memorandum of understanding. The ministry added that the officials also discussed developments in Lebanon.

— With additional input from Reuters and AFP.