Doha, Qatar – Axios reports that US envoy Steve Wittkopf and Jared Kushner attempted to convey a message to the Iranian side that insisting on imposing transit fees in the Strait of Hormuz could lead to the collapse of the existing understanding between Washington and Tehran. This message was delivered during talks hosted by Doha.
Warning regarding the Strait of Hormuz
According to Axios, Wittkopf and Kushner sought to convince Iranian officials that demanding fees on ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz could jeopardize the deal between the two sides.
This comes as Washington insists on freedom of navigation in the strategic waterway.
The report indicated that this issue was one of the main points of contention during the consultations.
Three main files
Axios explained that the talks in Doha focused on three main issues: the future of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, frozen Iranian assets, and a ceasefire in Lebanon.
He added that these issues represent the core priorities at this stage. Their importance stems from the implementation of the memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran.
Introduction to technical discussions
Axios confirmed that the meetings held in Doha proceeded positively and paved the way for technical talks between Washington and Tehran to finalize the implementation of the memorandum of understanding.
These developments come amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to solidify the understandings between the two sides.
This is taking place against a backdrop of regional and international monitoring of the negotiations’ outcome
and its implications for regional security and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
