US President Donald Trump announced on 1/7 that indirect talks between the US and Iran regarding Iran's nuclear issue are progressing well. He noted that the parties have had "very good meetings" in Doha, Qatar, expressing optimism about the ongoing diplomatic efforts. Trump underscored a firm stance, stating, "Iran cannot have nuclear weapons", as he prepared to board the new Air Force One to fly to North Dakota. Tehran has not commented on the US President's statement.

An unnamed diplomat confirmed to AFP that Qatar and Pakistan are mediating these indirect discussions. The talks build upon a memorandum of understanding and progress achieved at a conference held in Switzerland in June. This diplomatic engagement aims to resolve critical issues between the two nations.

President Donald Trump before boarding the plane on 1/7. Photo: AP

The US-Iran memorandum outlines several crucial points: a ceasefire agreement across all fronts, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and a 60-day deadline for both sides to negotiate on Iran's nuclear program. These negotiations are intended to pave the way for a final, long-term agreement.

While US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner were not directly participating in the Doha negotiations, they had previously met with Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that Al Thani, Witkoff, and Kushner discussed "the ongoing negotiations between the US and Iran within the framework of the memorandum", alongside developments in Lebanon.

On the same day, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, as reported by Fars news agency, confirmed that some financial and monetary restrictions on Iran have been eased. He highlighted that recent agreements have resulted in continued oil exports, further easing of restrictions, and new opportunities for economic cooperation, signaling potential positive outcomes for Iran.

By Thanh Tam (AFP, Reuters, Al Jazeera)