US-Iran Talks Pause Until July 9 as Mediators Claim Progress After Khamenei Funeral Plans
Updated
Updated · CBS New York · Jul 2
US-Iran Talks Pause Until July 9 as Mediators Claim Progress After Khamenei Funeral Plans
3 articles · Updated · CBS New York · Jul 2
Summary
Qatari and Pakistani mediators said the next U.S.-Iran meetings will be scheduled at the earliest after Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s funeral commemorations, which run from July 4 to July 9.
Doha talks had resumed this week through mediators, with President Donald Trump saying Iran’s denuclearization was “moving along well” and both mediators reporting “positive progress” on the ceasefire memorandum.
Iran is turning the funeral into a mass political show: chief negotiator and parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf urged turnout as “vengeance,” while officials expect 15 million to 20 million mourners and delegates from about 30 countries.
Pakistan said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will attend, underscoring Islamabad’s dual role as funeral participant and mediator in the war-triggered negotiations.
The pause leaves diplomacy advancing but fragile, with U.S. officials still warning military action could resume if Iran rebuilds its nuclear program or restarts attacks on commercial shipping.
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Overview
Recent indirect talks between US and Iranian negotiators in Doha have shown positive progress, with both sides nearing agreement on a one-page Memorandum of Understanding aimed at ending the war. This breakthrough follows the US's apparent acceptance of an Iranian demand and reflects a reassessment in Washington of what is diplomatically achievable. Analysts see the MoU as an important first step toward resolving immediate issues, though detailed nuclear negotiations have not yet begun. The talks are currently paused due to funeral ceremonies for Iran’s late Supreme Leader, but both parties have agreed to resume discussions soon, signaling continued commitment to diplomacy.