Indirect talks between the United States and Iran in Doha concluded without significant progress on resolving the dispute over the Strait of Hormuz. The US has been pushing Iran to drop its insistence on levying tolls and asserting full control over the strategic waterway in exchange for sanctions relief and other benefits, including the potential unfreezing of Iranian funds. However, sources familiar with the discussions indicate that Iran remains determined to secure international recognition of its control over the Strait and its right to impose fees on shipping, even going so far as to threaten to use force if an agreement isn't reached.
The core of the disagreement lies in the interpretation of a 14-point "Memorandum of Understanding" signed last month, which aimed to halt the recent conflict. While the US views the MOU as ensuring unimpeded access through the Strait, Iran interprets it as allowing for its continued control, even post-interim period. Iranian officials have stated they will begin assessing tolls in mid-August if a new agreement isn't reached, as the initial toll-free period under the MOU expires. This stance directly contradicts the US position, which has rejected any changes to the Strait's international status and the imposition of transit fees by any single nation.
The Doha talks were described as "technical in nature" and did not delve into the nuclear program, despite US President Donald Trump's comments that progress was being made on denuclearization. The focus remained on maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz and the unfreezing of Iranian funds. This continued impasse over the Strait is a significant hurdle, as Iran has made it clear that securing lasting formal acceptance of its control over the waterway is a prerequisite for advancing negotiations on other contentious issues, including a broader nuclear deal or sanctions relief. The US, meanwhile, has reportedly told Tehran it will not accept any changes to the current status of the Strait.
Analysts note that while the closure of the Strait initially caused significant concern, its impact on global oil prices has lessened due to counter-reactions like new bypass pipelines and ports. However, a lasting Iranian control over the Strait, with fees and formalities, would inevitably add costs, delays, and risks to international shipping, affecting one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas traffic. The next meeting between the two sides has not yet been scheduled, but the persistent disagreement over the Strait of Hormuz continues to complicate the path toward a lasting peace.
