Iran to Establish Monitoring Channel with US Amid Ongoing Talks

Iran has announced the establishment of a communication channel with the United States to monitor breaches of a recently signed memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at ending hostilities. This development follows indirect technical discussions between the two nations held in Qatar, as they seek to reduce tensions after recent armed exchanges.

Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi reported that the discussions also addressed the utilization of a portion of Iran’s $6 billion in previously frozen assets. The funds, according to agreements with Qatari officials and central bank representatives, will be used to procure goods necessary for Tehran, countering previous stipulations from US authorities that funds should be spent solely on American products.

The indirectly mediated negotiations in Doha also concentrated on securing the flow of maritime traffic through the strategic Strait of Hormuz and maintaining the ceasefire specified in the interim MoU. Despite periodic disputes over the agreement's terms, which have led to intermittent military strikes, progress continues as Qatar, with support from Pakistan, facilitates ongoing dialogue.