US President's son-in-law Jared Kushner and US President's special envoy Steve Witkoff at a quadrilateral meeting in Switzerland. (June 21, 2026)
Day 124 | US envoys Witkoff, Kushner meeting mediators in Doha
US envoys were meeting with Qatari mediators on Tuesday, the Gulf state's foreign ministry spokesman said, after Washington said it was sending a negotiating team.
"Mr. Steve Witkoff and Mr. Jared Kushner are here in Doha to meet with mediators, with Qatari officials, and the talks will be around all regional issues," foreign ministry spokesman Majed Al Ansari said.
Talks with the envoys would include discussions on Iran but also other topics including Lebanon, the spokesman said.
"They are not here for their negotiations with the Iranians," he added.
Both the US and Iran had said they would send officials for meetings in Qatar to discuss a memorandum of understanding agreed between the two sides aimed at ending the Middle East war, which broke out on February 28 with US-‘Israeli’ strikes on Iran.
Ansari clarified that no high-level meetings or direct talks between the United States and Iran were planned in Doha.
"To the best of my knowledge, there are no direct meetings scheduled between the two parties in the coming days," he said.
He explained that an Iranian "technical delegation travels to and from Doha based on the progress of negotiations. There is currently no high-level delegation present".
The so-called technical talks, negotiations between lower-ranking officials on details, included "tracks on the nuclear side... a track on the economic and state performance issue" as well as security, the spokesman said.
Qatar had previously refused to enter into mediation under Iranian fire as Tehran launched an unprecedented aerial bombardment against Gulf states in retaliation for the US-Israeli strikes.
However, the Gulf emirate has played an active role in negotiations in recent weeks after an initial April ceasefire was brokered by Pakistan.
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Read more: Day 125 | Trump optimistic of US-Iran talks in Qatar
US, Iran reach preliminary deal on first $3B in frozen assets: Axios
- Funds to be used for essential goods purchase, some sourced from US.
- Both parties agreed on temporary de-escalation period.
- Witkoff, Kushner warned Hormuz transit fee could jeopardize broader agreement.
- GCC states have begun talks on post-agreement maritime security framework for Hormuz.
Technical delegations from the United States and Iran have finalized a preliminary understanding in Doha regarding the release of a first installment of frozen Iranian financial assets.
According to sources familiar with the indirect talks cited by Axios, the breakthrough involves a $3 billion tranche.
To comply with strict international sanctions frameworks, the capital will not be wired to Tehran in cash.
Instead, the Central Bank of Iran will be permitted to draw down the $3 billion directly to procure essential humanitarian commodities and basic goods, a portion of which will be purchased directly from American suppliers.
Transit fee warnings
While technical groups resolved early financial hurdles, significant structural rifts remain regarding maritime security.
Axios reported that President Donald Trump's senior envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, used the indirect channels to issue a stark warning to the Iranian delegation.
The American envoys conveyed that Tehran’s insistence on imposing unilateral transit tariffs or commercial fees on shipping lanes passing through the Strait of Hormuz could instantly derail negotiations and completely destroy any chance of finalizing a comprehensive treaty with the United States.
Calm-period protocol
To shield the fragile diplomatic track from sudden military or regional flare-ups, a senior US official confirmed that a temporary "calm-period" understanding was successfully brokered during the Doha sessions.
Under this protocol, all participating parties have committed to keeping the regional environment quiet next week.
This calculated pause is intended to provide technical working groups with the necessary political room to make concrete progress on implementing the remaining clauses of the 14-point MoU signed on June 17.
Concurrently, Arab Gulf states are looking past the current interim diplomatic timeline. Recognizing the volatility of the situation, GCC defense architects have initiated separate, internal discussions on how to collectively manage and secure the Strait of Hormuz once the temporary provisions of the US–Iran Memorandum of Understanding officially expire.
Pezeshkian: We wouldn't negotiate if Supreme Leader opposed diplomatic track
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Wednesday strongly defended his administration's decision to engage in ongoing technical negotiations, emphasizing that all steps taken adhere strictly to the Islamic Republic's established national policies.
Addressing hardline domestic critics, Pezeshkian affirmed the absolute authority of the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, in steering the nation's foreign policy.
If the Supreme Leader had issued a directive not to hold negotiations, we would not have conducted any talks, Pezeshkian stated, underscoring that the current diplomatic track under the preliminary framework is entirely validated by the highest echelons of the state.
Iran: Emergency communication channel to be set up by Thursday
- Iran raised complaints over alleged US violations related to the Lebanon war.
- The parties reviewed reports on recent US military deployments in the region.
- They agreed to unfreeze $6 billion in Iranian assets for domestic purchases.
- An emergency hotline for the joint implementation team will be operational by Thursday.
The first formal assembly of the joint monitoring committee responsible for tracking the US–Iran Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) convened in Doha on Wednesday, bringing together senior diplomatic delegations from Iran, Qatar, and Pakistan.
Led by Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi, the trilateral sessions focused on addressing early challenges to the implementation of the peace roadmap.
During the meetings, Tehran formally presented grievances regarding what it termed as Washington's failure to respect its core obligations.
US compliance
A central item on the committee's agenda was the ongoing conflict in the Levant.
The Iranian delegation raised formal complaints regarding American violations of Clause 1 of the MoU, which outlines specific international commitments aimed at ending the war in Lebanon.
In addition to compliance grievances, the Iranian, Qatari, and Pakistani officials evaluated joint intelligence reports regarding recent escalatory moves by the United States.
The delegations analyzed documentation detailing the reinforcement of US military forces in the Middle East and associated rhetoric emanating from Washington.
Gharibabadi emphasized that Iran views the agreement as an indivisible framework, warning that individual commitments cannot be detached from one another.
"We emphasized that the obligations of the memorandum of understanding constitute an integrated package and cannot be looked at separately," the Deputy Foreign Minister stated.
Emergency hotlines
To address rapid changes on the ground and prevent any breakdown of the interim truce, the trilateral oversight team agreed to establish a direct, real-time emergency communications channel.
This dedicated hotline is scheduled to be fully operational by Thursday.
$6 billion financial pipeline
Concurrently, the Iranian delegation held successful specialized talks with Qatari financial authorities to arrange the operational mechanics of its unfrozen capital.
The discussions finalized the procedural pathways for utilizing a $6 billion tranche of previously restricted Iranian assets held in Qatari banks.
Following the conclusion of the talks, it was officially determined that Iran will begin drawing down a portion of the $6 billion fund to purchase essential commodities, with procurement lists tailored directly to Tehran's current domestic requirements.
Iran talks in Doha conclude: IRNA
Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency, quoting Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi, reported on Wednesday that the diplomatic delegation's meetings with Qatari and Pakistani mediators in Doha have concluded.
The trilateral sessions wrapped up after reviewing the technical implementation of the Lebanon ceasefire and the operational pipeline for unlocking Iran’s frozen financial assets.
JD Vance says US-Iran talks are making "excellent" progress
- US VP said discussions cover maritime safety, shipping, and initial nuclear issues, with Qatar and Pakistan mediating.
- Vance said the administration sees momentum for diplomacy and improved bilateral relations.
- He warned any Iranian move to rebuild its nuclear program or target commercial shipping would trigger a US response.
US Vice President JD Vance expressed strong optimism on Wednesday regarding the trajectory of ongoing indirect technical negotiations with Iran in Doha, revealing that Washington sees significant momentum among certain factions within the Iranian regime who are eager to change their bilateral relationship with the United States.
Vance confirmed that technical delegations are actively meeting in the Qatari capital alongside Qatari, Pakistani, and other international intermediaries to work through complex ground-level details.
Positive track
The US Vice President emphasized that the ongoing sessions are built directly upon the foundation of the preliminary bilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the two nations on June 17, which halted a brief maritime conflict in the Persian Gulf.
Vance detailed that the current discussions are primarily focused on ironclad security details, specifically governing the flow of international navigation and commercial maritime traffic through critical chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz.
The negotiations regarding Iran have proceeded in an excellent direction, and we are working to ensure the continuity of the progress we have achieved, Vance said.
"President Trump's directives are clear: move forward to conclude an agreement and negotiate in good faith. The talks are going well, and we will give negotiation every chance to succeed." Vance added
Pragmatism in Tehran
In a notable shift in tone, Vance acknowledged the shifting internal dynamics within Tehran's political leadership.
He stated that the administration has detected a desire from specific elements within the Iranian political structure to break away from decades of isolation and economic devastation.
The Iranian regime includes individuals who understand that they need to change their relations with us, Vance explained. We see great momentum from people within the Iranian system who are seeking to open a new page, and that is why we will grant these negotiations a greater opportunity.
However, the US Vice President balanced his optimism with strict security warnings.
He noted that while early-stage talks have begun touching upon the sensitive nuclear portfolio, Washington’s baseline calculations remain highly contingent on Iranian behavior on the water and in their laboratories.
Vance concluded with a firm warning to his counterparts, stating that if Iran attempts to reconstruct its enriched uranium stockpiles or resumes targeting commercial cargo vessels, the United States will immediately alter its calculations and terminate the current diplomatic runway.
Iran, Qatar, Pakistan hold discussions on Lebanon truce, unfrozen assets
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said on Wednesday that the Iranian diplomatic delegation in Doha held trilateral meetings with Qatari and Pakistani mediators.
Gharibabadi confirmed that the sessions specifically focused on tracking the ground-level implementation of provisions regarding the Lebanon ceasefire and the ongoing process of unlocking Iran's frozen financial assets under the interim US–Iran framework.
Aoun praises Berri, urges unity, military stability
- Joseph Aoun defended the Washington-brokered framework, saying it protects Lebanese sovereignty and the rule of law.
- Aoun denied reports of plans to remove the army commander and security chiefs.
- He praised Nabih Berri for opposing internal political divisions and stressed the importance of preserving military stability.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun strongly defended the newly established trilateral framework agreement on Wednesday, asserting that the outcomes of the Washington negotiations reinforce the sovereign authority of the state and preserve Lebanon’s legal and field rights.
Addressing the country amid ongoing political debates surrounding the US-brokered accords, President Aoun emphasized that Lebanese negotiators did not capitulate during the high-stakes talks.
"The framework formula that emerged from the Washington negotiations achieves the logic of the state through the provisions it contains," Aoun declared. "It preserves Lebanon’s rights both judicially and on the ground. We have neither surrendered nor compromised on our rights."
Security leadership remains intact
The Lebanese President used his address to directly confront spreading domestic rumors regarding a major overhaul within Lebanon's defense apparatus.
Aoun explicitly denied any executive intent or political desire to fire the Commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) or the heads of the state's primary intelligence and security agencies.
He underscored that the current military leadership plays an indispensable role in maintaining domestic stability, particularly as the military prepares to assume wider operational mandates along the shared southern border under the new framework's pilot zone arrangements.
Unity against domestic strife
Concluding his remarks, President Aoun praised Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri for his active political role in de-escalating domestic tensions and safeguarding national unity.
Aoun highlighted that the country's top political leadership maintains a unified front on internal red lines, stating that all major political factions are in full agreement that domestic strife and any attempts to undermine or compromise the integrity of the Lebanese military are strictly prohibited.
Qatar's Emir meets Witkoff, Kushner; discuss Lebanon
- The talks reviewed US-Iran technical negotiations under the memorandum of understanding.
- Discussions also focused on reinforcing the Lebanon ceasefire and protecting the country's sovereignty.
- The Emir reaffirmed Qatar's commitment, alongside Pakistan, to regional mediation efforts.
His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani hosted senior US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner at his Lusail Palace office to evaluate current Middle East security dynamics and the progression of indirect diplomatic tracks between Washington and Tehran.
According to an official statement issued by the Amiri Diwan, the high-level meeting focused heavily on the technical developments stemming from the newly established US–Iran Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
Solidifying Lebanon ceasefire
A primary component of the discussions centered on the fragile security situation in the Levant.
The Emir and the US delegation reviewed ongoing efforts to stabilize Lebanon following recent cross-border hostilities.
Both sides emphasized the vital importance of permanently solidifying the ceasefire, noting that maintaining the cessation of military operations is necessary to protect the unity, sovereign independence, and long-term internal stability of the sisterly Lebanese Republic.
Qatari–Pakistani mediation affirmed
During the reception, Emir Sheikh Tamim affirmed that the State of Qatar remains fully committed to its role as a neutral diplomatic bridge.
He stated that Qatar, working in active partnership with the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, will continue its comprehensive mediation efforts to support all communication channels emerging from the preliminary US–Iran MoU.
The Emir added that Doha’s ultimate objective remains facilitating a comprehensive and sustainable settlement that actively reinforces regional security while bolstering international peace and stability.
For their part, Witkoff and Kushner expressed the United States' deep appreciation for the diplomatic efforts undertaken by Qatar.
The envoys specifically commended the joint Qatari–Pakistani mechanism for its role in advancing the technical talks and narrowing viewpoints between the negotiating parties.
Concluding the meeting, the US representatives reaffirmed Washington’s firm commitment to pursuing the diplomatic track and expanding the diplomatic maneuvers required to reach a comprehensive final agreement.
‘Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon’: Trump
US President Donald Trump said Iran has "come a long way" as indirect negotiations between Washington and Tehran continue.
Speaking to reporters, Trump said, "We hit them very hard last week," referring to recent US military action.
He also reiterated his administration's position on Iran's nuclear program, saying: "The nuclearisation of Iran is very simple, and Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon."
Trump hails ‘very good meetings’ with Iran
US President Donald Trump said negotiations with Iran are progressing "very well," expressing optimism about the ongoing diplomatic efforts.
Speaking to reporters at Joint Base Andrews, Trump said the talks were going "very well" and praised what he described as "very good meetings."
Araghchi says MoU obliges US president to restrain allies in Tel Aviv
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the memorandum of understanding is clear and publicly available, adding that it obliges the US president to restrain Washington's allies in Tel Aviv.
Araghchi said any threat targeting Iran's people or leadership would be met with an immediate and decisive response.
"The memorandum of understanding is clear and available to everyone, and it obliges the US president to restrain his allies in Tel Aviv," Araghchi said.
He added: "Any threat targeting our people and leadership will be met with an immediate and decisive response."
'Israel' could strike Iran a third time, defence minister says
'Israel' Defence Minister Israel Katz said 'Israel' could carry out additional strikes against Iran “if it deems it necessary,” even as the United States continues diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions.
Speaking at a memorial ceremony marking those killed in the 2006 Lebanon war, Katz said 'Israel' had already conducted what he described as two “proactive, pre-emptive strikes” inside Iran.
“We have attacked twice with proactive, preemptive strikes in Iran and, if necessary, we will strike a third time as well,” Katz said.
He also said 'Israeli' forces would remain indefinitely in what he described as “security zones” in Lebanon, Syria, and the Gaza Strip, arguing the deployments were needed to protect 'Israeli' communities.
Armed boats approach vessel off Yemen coast
The UK Maritime Trade Operations agency said a commercial vessel reported several small boats approaching it off the coast of Yemen on Wednesday.
The agency stated that the boats were carrying individuals armed with light weapons and were spotted about 76 nautical miles south of the Yemeni city of Balhaf.
Authorities said the crew of the vessel was safe following the incident.
US, Iranian officials hold indirect, lower-level talks in Doha: CNN
US and Iranian officials are holding indirect, lower-level technical talks through Qatari and Pakistani mediators in Doha, a diplomatic source with knowledge of the talks told CNN.
US special envoy Steve Witkoff and President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, who are not attending the talks themselves, met Qatar’s prime minister in Doha on Tuesday to lay the groundwork for Wednesday’s indirect negotiations, the source added.
Iran prepares for former supreme leader Ali Khamenei's funeral
Tehran is preparing for the public funeral of Iran's late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with giant portraits displayed at the Grand Mosalla as workers finalize preparations for Saturday's ceremony.
The funeral was postponed during the height of the conflict between Iran, the United States, and 'Israel'. It will now take place as a fragile ceasefire remains in effect following a preliminary agreement aimed at halting the fighting.
Khamenei was killed at the age of 86 in an airstrike on his compound in central Tehran on February 28, the first day of the war, according to Iranian authorities.
His body will lie in state at the Grand Mosalla, a major venue for Friday prayers, official ceremonies, and religious gatherings.The bodies of several of Khamenei's slain relatives will also be presented during the public funeral.
Deadly Minab school attack will not be forgotten: Iran’s UN envoy
Iran's Ambassador Ali Bahreini said Tehran will not allow the world to forget the missile strike on Minab school as he held a virtual meeting with survivors and witnesses.
According to Iranian officials, the February 28 strike, which occurred during the conflict involving the United States and 'Israel', killed at least 168 children and teachers, most of them young girls and boys.
Iranian state media quoted Bahreini as saying: "The duty of justice demands that we ensure the victimisation and crimes against civilians are not forgotten over time. Today, there is no country that does not recognise the criminal nature of this attack or is unfamiliar with the name of Minab school."
Neither the United States nor 'Israel' has acknowledged responsibility for the school strike. Bahreini said, "Without any doubt, responsibility for this act lies with the United States and 'Israel' as the aggressors."
Foreign vessel runs aground in Strait of Hormuz: Iranian state TV
Iranian state TV reported that a foreign vessel ran aground in the Strait of Hormuz after allegedly deviating from the route designated by Iranian authorities.
Iran-Qatar talks today will cover US deal and frozen assets, Iranian official says
Iran-Qatar talks today will cover the implementation of Tehran’s agreement with the US, as well as its frozen assets, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said Tuesday.
Baghaei said that what will “probably take place in Doha” today is a “discussion with the Qatari side on the implementation of some provisions of the memorandum of understanding, including the provision concerning the release of Iran’s restricted assets.”
He said that Iran’s negotiating team had no plan to meet with the American delegation in the coming days.
Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari said Tuesday that US envoy Steve Witkoff and President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner arrived in Doha to meet Qatari mediators, but he stressed there will not be a meeting with Iranian officials.
He added that $6 billion of Iran’s frozen funds have not been transferred to Tehran, but he said this would happen “according to the advancement of negotiations.”
Thailand says 10 stranded vessels have exited Strait of Hormuz
Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said 10 of the 11 Thai-flagged vessels and ships chartered by Thai operators that had been stranded in the Strait of Hormuz since late February have safely passed through the strategic waterway.
The ministry said one vessel, the Hatthaya Naree, remains in the area while awaiting cargo loading. It is expected to depart the Strait of Hormuz as soon as loading is completed.
