US and Iran hold technical talks in doha to secure permanent maritime and ceasefire deal

Doha: The United States and Iran are holding technical talks in the Qatari capital, Doha, as part of efforts to reach an agreement on maritime navigation and secure a lasting ceasefire.

An informed source and an Iranian official said US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner met with Qatar’s Prime Minister, who is mediating alongside Pakistan to pave the way for the talks, though they will not take part in the discussions themselves.

The negotiations are based on a 14‑point interim agreement signed last month, aimed at ending the war that began after US and Israeli strikes on Iran in February, and reopening regional maritime navigation, with a 60‑day deadline for reaching a permanent deal.

Maritime navigation in the region has partially resumed. Before the war, the strait handled 20 percent of global oil and liquefied natural gas trade.