Iran’s Top Negotiators Hold Talks in Doha as U.S. Urges Diplomacy Before Considering Alternatives

Iran’s foreign minister and chief negotiator met with Qatar’s prime minister in Doha on Monday, 25 May 2026, to discuss a potential agreement with the United States aimed at ending the three‑month‑old war, according to an official briefed on the visit. The talks come as both Washington and Tehran sought to temper expectations of an imminent breakthrough.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the United States would give diplomacy “every chance to succeed” before considering “another way” of dealing with Iran. Rubio added that there was “a pretty solid thing on the table” involving the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, entering into a time‑limited negotiation on nuclear matters, and potentially advancing toward a broader framework.

Iranian officials have indicated that discussions in Doha focused on the Strait of Hormuz and Tehran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium, with the country’s central bank governor also present to address the possible release of frozen Iranian funds.

While progress has been reported on several points, Iran’s foreign ministry stressed that the talks do not yet signal proximity to a signed agreement. Nuclear issues, officials said, would be negotiated separately over a 60‑day period if a framework accord is reached.