Iran, U.S. Negotiators Meet in Qatar
Iranian and U.S. negotiators are meeting in Qatar to discuss a peace deal, focusing on nuclear issues and the Strait of Hormuz.
Lauren Collins ·
Iran, U.S. Negotiators Meet in Qatar Amidst Uncertain Peace Prospects
Top Iranian negotiators arrived in Doha, Qatar, on Monday, May 25, 2026, for talks aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict with the United States. The delegation, led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, is engaging with U.S. counterparts, though the immediate prospects for a comprehensive peace deal remain uncertain.
Discussions in Doha are focusing on critical issues including the status of Iran's nuclear program, its missile stockpiles, and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has blockaded since late February. While a senior U.S. official indicated Iran's in-principle commitment to relinquishing enriched uranium stockpiles, Iran's foreign ministry spokesman, Esmaeil Baghaei, stated that nuclear program details were not under discussion. President Trump has offered conflicting signals, suggesting a deal could be "great and meaningful" or might not materialize, emphasizing no rush to conclude an agreement.
The potential agreement's scope is also a point of contention, with Iran advocating for an end to fighting in Lebanon, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to intensify attacks against Hezbollah. Oil markets reacted to the developments, with Brent crude falling over 5 percent to approximately $95 per barrel, though prices remain about 30 percent higher than pre-war levels. The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the normalization of ties with Israel via the Abraham Accords are additional complex elements under consideration.