Trump Calls US-Iran Doha Talks Progress 'Very Good'

Oil prices fell and stock indexes rose after President Donald Trump described indirect US-Iran talks in Doha as advancing toward denuclearization. The market reaction followed two days of meetings conducted through Qatari mediators rather than direct contact between the delegations.

The sessions addressed elements of a June 18 memorandum of understanding that ended a period of direct exchanges. Those exchanges began after a US-Israeli strike killed former Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on February 28. Shipping data cited by ING showed tanker transits through the Strait of Hormuz recovering from weekend lows, though still below the prior week's peak of 24 crossings.

Trump told reporters the meetings had been productive. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said the sides established a channel to address alleged US violations of the memorandum and reviewed mechanisms for releasing $6 billion in frozen funds. Qatar's foreign ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari stated that further talks would be scheduled after funeral processions for Khamenei conclude.

Disagreements persist over the memorandum's text. US officials interpret it as requiring open navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, curbs on Iran's nuclear program, and limits on support for proxies. Iranian statements have emphasized different paragraphs that they say preserve sovereignty claims over the strait and defer full nuclear restrictions until sanctions are lifted.

The Pentagon continues a separate review of its Gulf basing posture. Attacks during the recent conflict struck Naval Support Activity Bahrain, Al Udeid Air Base, and other installations, prompting consideration of dispersing forces and command nodes. Retired Rear Adm. Mark Montgomery told Fox News Digital that alternate sites are already in greater use.

No final agreement emerged from the Doha meetings. Both sides said technical discussions would resume after the funeral period.