Iran and Qatar begin bilateral talks after first round of U.S.-Iran negotiations

Iranian state television reported that bilateral talks between Iranian and Qatari delegations began after the first round of U.S.-Iran negotiations concluded. Qatar’s prime minister, speaking at a meeting in Burgenstock, Switzerland, said the memorandum of understanding signed earlier in the week could mark a turning point toward regional stability.

He noted that the past period had been among the most difficult the region has faced and added that technical talks would be needed to turn commitments into concrete results.

U.S. statements on Strait of Hormuz A U.S.

Republican senator said in a CBS interview that President Trump plans to take control of the Strait of Hormuz and impose tolls if diplomatic efforts with Iran fail. The senator stated he had spent four and a half hours with the president on Friday discussing the administration’s fallback strategy.

Iranian statements on sanctions and assets An Iranian negotiator told state television that today’s talks covered the release of frozen Iranian assets and a proposal for temporary exemption from sanctions on oil and its derivatives. The final draft of that proposal has been completed, the negotiator said.

Iran’s parliament speaker and head negotiator dismissed U.S. threats and said Tehran’s armed forces are ready to respond if necessary.

Ceasefire developments in Lebanon Hezbollah’s secretary-general said the group will respond to any ceasefire violation by Israel and that Israeli forces will not remain in Lebanon. Israeli officials have said troops remain free to act to eliminate threats despite the ceasefire that took effect on Friday.