US-Iran to Resume $6 Billion Asset Talks in Doha as Hormuz Disputes Stall Direct Contact
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Jun 30
US-Iran to Resume $6 Billion Asset Talks in Doha as Hormuz Disputes Stall Direct Contact
2 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Jun 30
Summary
Wednesday’s Doha talks will restart indirect US-Iran negotiations on unfreezing at least $6 billion in Iranian assets, with no face-to-face meeting yet since the 17 June ceasefire and Hormuz reopening deal.
The delay in direct contact reflects friction over Iran’s bid to control commercial tanker traffic through Hormuz, including a proposed toll system that Western powers oppose.
US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner were in Qatar on Tuesday, but Doha said they were meeting Qatari mediators rather than Iranian officials while seeking details on the toll plan and related Omani proposals.
Only 40 ships transited Hormuz on Monday, up from 24 a day earlier but still far below normal, leaving hundreds of vessels and as many as 10,000 seafarers stranded since the 28 February war.
Nuclear talks have still not begun despite a 60-day window from 17 June, adding to diplomat concern as Iran also warns European powers against joining de-mining efforts in the strait.
With a $2.2 trillion global cost, can the world economy survive a prolonged Strait of Hormuz closure?
Beyond frozen assets, what is the path to peace after the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader?
What unseen environmental disaster is unfolding in the Persian Gulf from the ongoing naval conflict?
Stalemate in the Gulf: The June 2026 US-Iran MOU, $6 Billion Asset Dispute, and the Strait of Hormuz Crisis
Overview
As of June 30, 2026, indirect negotiations in Doha remain stalled, with Iran refusing to participate until its preconditions are met. The deadlock is closely tied to the implementation of an interim agreement and the anticipated release of $6 billion in frozen Iranian assets, which Qatar plans to facilitate for humanitarian food purchases. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian publicly announced the expected asset release to build support for the broader deal. However, Iran insists that talks will not resume until the United States fulfills specific commitments, highlighting the deep mistrust and complex challenges blocking diplomatic progress.