Indirect talks between the United States and Iran in Doha, Qatar, have reportedly centred on key sticking points in a broader diplomatic effort aimed at securing a nuclear-related agreement and easing long-standing sanctions. According to sources cited by Axios, discussions during the latest round focused heavily on the Strait of Hormuz, Iranian frozen assets, and ceasefire arrangements in Lebanon, with both sides still negotiating terms previously outlined in a 14-point memorandum of understanding signed last month.

The Strait of Hormuz emerged as one of the most sensitive issues in the talks. Iranian representatives have reportedly pushed for the ability to impose tolls on vessels passing through the strategic waterway, a proposal that US negotiators warned could undermine the entire framework of a potential deal. The strait is one of the world’s most critical energy transit routes, and any additional costs or restrictions on shipping through it are viewed as highly destabilising for global oil markets.

US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are said to have urged Iranian negotiators to reconsider their stance, arguing that the toll proposal could jeopardise broader economic incentives tied to a possible agreement. According to the sources, the US side encouraged Tehran to “think bigger” and focus on the long-term benefits of sanctions relief and expanded economic cooperation rather than immediate revenue mechanisms linked to maritime transit.

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Beyond the Strait of Hormuz issue, discussions also reportedly included Iran’s demand for access to frozen assets held abroad. These assets have been a long-standing point of contention between the two countries, with Tehran seeking their release as part of any potential deal. In addition, regional security concerns featured prominently, particularly the fragile ceasefire situation in Lebanon, which both sides view as a critical factor in maintaining stability across the Middle East.

While no official statement has confirmed concrete progress, the continuation of dialogue suggests that both Washington and Tehran remain engaged in exploring possible compromises. However, significant gaps remain in their positions, particularly on economic and security guarantees. The indirect nature of the talks, mediated in Doha, underscores the ongoing mistrust between the two sides, even as diplomatic channels remain open.

The outcome of these negotiations is being closely watched globally due to their potential impact on energy markets, regional stability, and international sanctions regimes. Any breakthrough—or breakdown—in talks over issues such as Hormuz access or asset freezes could have far-reaching consequences, particularly for global oil supply chains and geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East.

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