The next round of indirect talks between the United States and Iran is set to take place after the funeral of the late Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, mediators confirmed on July 2. Khamenei, who died at age 86 at his compound in Tehran on February 28—the first day of the ongoing war—will have a public funeral beginning Saturday, with burial scheduled for July 9.

Following indirect discussions held in Doha on July 1, US President Donald Trump, along with mediators from Qatar and Pakistan, indicated that diplomatic progress is continuing despite recent exchanges of fire. Pakistan stated that the mediators concluded separate meetings with US and Iranian negotiators, reporting positive progress and an agreement to continue talks, with the next meeting planned soon after Khamenei's funeral processions.

An interim agreement was reached to reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz and to end hostilities. However, significant issues remain unresolved, including Iran's nuclear program. Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi, who led Tehran's delegation, said the talks concluded with an agreement to establish a communications channel by July 3 to report and record alleged violations of the memorandum. Officials also reviewed the use of part of an initial US$6 billion, agreeing that goods needed by Iran would be purchased and made available.

Tensions remain high as Tehran targeted a commercial ship it claimed had deviated from its approved route through the Strait of Hormuz. In response, US Central Command (CENTCOM) reported striking 10 Iranian military targets. Iran's chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf acknowledged the challenges ahead, stating that "when a war of this magnitude comes to an end ... it is inevitable that there will be implementation challenges, incidents and differences of opinion, especially where parties such as the Israeli regime are concerned."

Despite these difficulties, Iran expressed optimism about the denuclearization process, noting it is "moving along well" and aims to build on progress made at the Lake Lucerne Summit.

Sources