The key facts

  • An Iranian delegation arrived in Doha 'to facilitate interaction with the Qatari mediator,' Al-Araby Al-Jadeed reports, citing an Iranian source
  • Talks with the US are being conducted indirectly, through a mediator; the American delegation is expected to join in Doha and may hold direct talks
  • Subject of the preliminary understandings: the nuclear program, passage through the Strait of Hormuz, financial incentives; China and Russia as possible guarantors

Iranian delegation in Doha

An Iranian delegation, which includes the deputy foreign minister of Abbas Araghchi, is in Qatar for talks, the Qatari newspaper reports Al-Araby Al-Jadeed, citing an Iranian source. According to the source, the delegation arrived in Doha 'to facilitate interaction with the Qatari mediator.' The visit took place after 'intensive discussions' by Qatar's negotiating delegation in Tehran, which, it is claimed, led to a breakthrough in the indirect talks between Tehran and Washington. These discussions also allowed the Iranian negotiating team to accompany the Qatari delegation on its return trip to Doha.

Format of the talks and possible participants

The Iranian source stressed that talks with the American side are being conducted indirectly, through a mediator, rather than directly. At the same time, sources close to the mediation efforts of Qatar and Pakistan told the outlet that the American delegation is expected to join the diplomatic process in Doha and may hold direct talks with the Iranian negotiators in the Qatari capital.

What is at stake

According to the outlet, the described events could open the way to a resumption of talks between Washington and Tehran following an agreement on initial measures concerning Iran's nuclear program, the passage of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, and financial incentives for Tehran. According to the report, China and Russia would also be included in the potential framework as guarantors. All of the information provided comes from a single outlet and relies on anonymous sources; there is no independent confirmation in the available materials.