US and Iran to hold new round of indirect talks in Qatar on Monday
The US and Iran will resume indirect negotiations in Qatar on Monday, amid Iranian warnings to ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
Key Takeaways
AIThe United States and Iran are set to hold a new round of indirect negotiations on Monday, according to the news site Axios. The talks, mediated by Qatari officials, are part of ongoing diplomatic efforts to reach an agreement between the two sides.
On September 28, two separate meetings will be held between Qatari mediators and each of Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US Special Presidential Envoy Steve Witkof. Axios reported that it remains unclear whether this round will bridge the differences between Washington and Tehran.
Iran issues warnings in Strait of Hormuz
Coinciding with the diplomatic moves, Iran on Sunday warned ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz against using "illegal routes," stressing that diplomacy is the only solution to its conflict with the United States.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Iran's conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz are clear, and any progress depends on meeting these terms. He added that negotiations are the only way out of the current impasse.
Diverging US and Iranian positions
US President Donald Trump previously confirmed that the United States would hold a new round of talks with Iran next week, but rejected an Iranian proposal to reopen the strait and halt hostilities, saying "Iran wants to open Hormuz because its economy is dying," and that the US has "total control" over the strait. Trump reiterated his desire for an agreement but described the Iranian proposal as unacceptable.
Meanwhile, Iranian army spokesman Mohammad Akraminia stated that the United States might launch a new attack on Iran due to the tense regional situation, affirming Tehran's readiness to respond and inflict greater damage on Washington.
The Iranian authority responsible for managing the strait also warned ships of consequences if they use "illegal routes," citing risks of financial and human losses for vessels and their crews, as well as possible restrictions on future passage through the Strait of Hormuz.