Iran says it will create a new “communication channel” with the United States to report and discuss violations of the memorandum of understanding, or MoU, signed two weeks ago. The agreement was designed to help end the U.S.-Israel war on Iran and reduce tensions between Tehran and Washington.
The announcement came after indirect technical talks between Iran and the U.S. were held in Qatar on Wednesday, with Qatar and Pakistan continuing their mediation efforts.
Iran Announces Channel to Report MoU Breaches
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said Tehran and Washington had agreed to establish a communication channel for recording and reporting breaches of the MoU.
The move follows recent exchanges of fire between the two sides, which have increased pressure on mediators to keep the fragile agreement from collapsing.
The indirect talks in Doha focused on easing tensions, securing the ceasefire, and managing shipping movement through the Strait of Hormuz.
Frozen Iranian Assets Discussed in Qatar
Gharibabadi also said that part of Iran’s $6 billion in frozen assets would be used to purchase goods required by Tehran.
He explained that during meetings with Qatari officials, including representatives from the Central Bank, several issues were reviewed regarding how part of the initial $6 billion would be spent.
According to Gharibabadi, it was agreed that goods needed by Iran would be purchased and made available to the country based on the requirements communicated by Tehran.
Trump Previously Said Funds Would Be Used for U.S. Products
U.S. President Donald Trump had previously said the frozen funds would be used by Iran only to buy American products.
However, Tehran has maintained that it should decide how released assets are used. Last month, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said Iran alone would determine how to spend the money in the way most beneficial to the country.
Qatar and Pakistan Report Positive Progress
Mediators from Qatar and Pakistan held separate meetings in Doha with U.S. and Iranian negotiators.
Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari said the discussions connected to the MoU had shown “positive progress.”
In a post on X, Al-Ansari said the parties agreed to continue discussions in the coming period. He added that the next meeting would be scheduled as soon as possible after the funeral processions of the former Iranian Supreme Leader.
What the Memorandum of Understanding Includes
The MoU, brokered by Qatar and Pakistan, contains several major provisions aimed at reducing conflict and preparing for a wider settlement.
| Key Area | Details |
|---|---|
| Ceasefire | A 60-day temporary ceasefire |
| Strait of Hormuz | Reopening and managing shipping through the waterway |
| Final Deal Timeline | A framework for negotiating a permanent end to the war |
| Iran Nuclear Programme | A path toward an agreement on Iran’s nuclear programme |
| Breach Reporting | A communication channel to report violations |
Strait of Hormuz Remains a Central Issue
The Doha talks also focused on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy routes.
Traffic through the strait has partially resumed, but disagreements remain over how the interim MoU should be interpreted and implemented.
The U.S. and Iran have continued to dispute the meaning of the agreement, leading to tit-for-tat military strikes over the past week.
Qatari Emir Meets U.S. Envoys
Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani met U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner in Doha on Wednesday.
During the meeting, the emir reaffirmed Qatar’s commitment to mediation, working alongside Pakistan to help end the war in the Middle East.
Trump Says Talks Are Moving Well
President Trump described the Doha discussions positively, saying there had been “very good meetings.”
Speaking to reporters before taking his first trip on his new Air Force One plane gifted by Qatar, Trump said the denuclearisation of Iran was “moving along well.”
He also said the U.S. had hit Iran “very hard,” but claimed the two sides were now “getting along very well.”
JD Vance Says Combat Could Still Resume
U.S. Vice President JD Vance said on Wednesday that he could not guarantee Washington would avoid returning to combat before the MoU deadline next month.
Speaking during a visit to Virginia Beach, Virginia, Vance said the outcome would depend on Iran’s actions.
He added that Trump would not send the military back into combat unless necessary and unless there was a clearly defined purpose.
Oil Prices Fall Amid Diplomatic Optimism
Oil prices dropped by around 2% on Wednesday, reaching their lowest levels since February.
The decline came as optimism over the U.S.-Iran talks reduced concerns about energy supply disruptions, especially following Trump’s positive comments about the negotiations.
The indirect U.S.-Iran talks in Doha have produced a plan to establish a communication channel for reporting MoU violations, marking a cautious step forward in the fragile peace process. Qatar and Pakistan continue to mediate between the two sides, while discussions also cover the Strait of Hormuz, frozen Iranian assets, ceasefire breaches, and Iran’s nuclear programme.
Although Qatar has reported positive progress and Trump has praised the talks, major risks remain. Recent military exchanges, uncertainty over the MoU’s interpretation, and JD Vance’s warning that combat could still resume show that the path to a permanent settlement remains uncertain.