President Trump has considered the possibility of ramping up military action against Iran, but for the moment, he has opted for a diplomatic approach.
The Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday that he discussed the idea of ending peace negotiations and conducting further strikes on Iran with Army Secretary Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Cain. Ultimately, he deemed that continuing talks was likely the most effective strategy to tackle Iran’s nuclear weapons ambitions.
An agreement, or memorandum of understanding (MOU), signed on June 17 allows the United States and Iran 60 days to finalize a peace deal, addressing issues like Iran’s enriched uranium and its frozen assets, while also offering relief from U.S. and international sanctions.
When asked about the ongoing discussions last week, Trump remarked to reporters: “They agree to everything I want and we have to do that.” He added, “Otherwise, you just go back and do what you have to do.”
The president also indicated readiness to issue a single strike if Iran is found to be in violation of the agreement, though he is open to extending negotiations past the August 18 deadline.
The U.S. and Iran had paused hostilities on Monday following recent exchanges of fire in the Strait of Hormuz.
Vice President J.D. Vance shared on “The Ingraham Angle” that the indirect talks had resumed in Qatar earlier in the day, stating the aim was to gauge Iran’s commitment to peace. He mentioned, “They have to not only say the right things, but they have to make real concessions,” emphasizing that actions are more telling than words.
Vance noted that the administration remains focused on the potential outcomes of the negotiations, stating that, even if diplomacy fails, there are still options available and that they have made significant achievements for the American people.
The U.S. is represented in Qatar by Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who is Trump’s son-in-law. Leading the Iranian delegation is Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi.
According to two officials familiar with the discussions, technical negotiations began on Wednesday, with a few disagreements emerging, particularly regarding the Strait of Hormuz and Israeli actions against Hezbollah in Lebanon, which are proving to be contentious issues.
The U.S. and Iran had previously agreed to a 60-day grace period for ship passage under the MOU, but Iran insists on control over the shipping routes, proposing to charge tolls—an approach contrary to long-standing practices. This proposal has met with resistance from the U.S. and several Gulf Arab nations.
Following attacks by Iran on at least two vessels, including one moving oil from Qatar, efforts by Oman and U.N. agencies to pave a new shipping route have encountered challenges.
Doha confirmed the talks early Wednesday and noted that discussions included the interim agreement as well as addressing regional security issues through dialogue. Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani also engaged with Iranian officials, including Ghalibabadi, focusing on the implementation of the MOU and identifying barriers to its success.
A mediator from Pakistan was also present during these discussions.
