Iran’s top negotiators head to Doha for talks on uranium and Strait of Hormuz

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and senior Iranian officials arrived in Doha on Monday for talks linked to diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the ongoing conflict between Iran and the United States, according to a diplomat briefed on the visit.

The delegation includes Iran’s chief negotiator in talks with Washington, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, as well as Central Bank Governor Abdolnaser Hemmati.

“The focus of the delegation’s visit to Doha is on issues relating to the Strait (of Hormuz) and highly enriched uranium,” the source told CNN.

The diplomat also said discussions are expected to cover Iran’s frozen funds, which form part of a memorandum of understanding currently under negotiation between Tehran and Washington.

Qatar has taken on a growing mediation role in recent weeks as Gulf states attempt to prevent further escalation in the region. 

Doha is a major US ally and was among the countries targeted during Iran’s retaliation to recent US-Israeli strikes.

The latest talks come as diplomatic efforts continue over Iran’s nuclear programme, shipping security in the Strait of Hormuz and the possibility of a wider agreement between Tehran and Washington.