Doha Talks Continue — 14-Point MoU, 30-Day Hormuz Window, Frozen Funds in Play
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Parliament Speaker and chief negotiator Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, and central bank governor Abdolnaser Hemmati continued talks in Doha today with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani. An official briefed on the Doha visit said the discussions focused primarily on the Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium, with Hemmati on the delegation specifically to discuss the potential release of frozen Iranian funds as part of a final deal. The proposed memorandum of understanding contains 14 points and would deliver an immediate end to the war and the US naval blockade of the strait.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said yesterday a conclusion had been reached on many topics, but that did not mean “we’re close to signing an agreement”. The framework provides that Iran would clear mines from the strait within a 30-day window; ships from all countries would then navigate freely and safely. During a 60-day negotiation period that would begin if the memorandum is reached, the strait would be open with no tolls; Iran would be free to sell oil under US sanctions waivers; the US would lift its blockade on Iranian ports and issue some sanctions waivers. Detailed nuclear talks would begin during the 60 days. Iranian officials continue to insist nuclear discussions only follow US delivery of its commitments. The US and Iran are working to bridge specific language differences over Iran’s nuclear programme and sanctions relief.