Les États-Unis à l'Iran à Doha: "Aucun changement de régime dans le détroit d'Ormuz" - Après le 9 juillet, de nouveaux pourparlers

In late June 2026, amid ongoing diplomatic efforts between the United States and Iran, a significant message was conveyed regarding the Strait of Hormuz. According to well-informed sources cited by media outlets such as Al Arabiya and Al Hadath, the U.S. has made it clear that there will be no changes to the current status quo in the Strait of Hormuz. This statement came after technical talks held in Doha, Qatar, where representatives from both nations engaged in discussions aimed at resolving outstanding issues related to regional stability and economic cooperation.

The U.S. emphasized its stance that any unilateral change to the existing conditions in the Strait would constitute a serious violation of the agreed-upon terms. The American position underscores the importance of maintaining the established order in this critical maritime passage, which serves as a vital route for global oil trade. The U.S. also highlighted that Iran's behavior in the region represents the first true test of its commitment to the agreement signed earlier in June. Any escalation in tensions could have immediate repercussions on the progress of their bilateral negotiations.

Iran, on the other hand, expressed concerns about the continued presence of U.S. military forces in the airspace over the Strait of Hormuz, viewing it as a threat to regional security. Iranian authorities warned that any American intervention in the area would be met with "immediate and decisive response." Furthermore, they asserted that all vessels passing through the Strait must adhere to the navigational routes determined by Tehran to ensure safe passage.

Following these developments, the U.S. and Iran completed another round of indirect talks in Doha, although there were no clear signs of progress toward achieving lasting peace. Discussions primarily focused on issues that should have been resolved weeks prior, according to diplomatic sources. The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that Qatari and Pakistani mediators conducted separate meetings with representatives from both countries, noting positive progress on matters related to the understanding memorandum signed in Islamabad based on the agreements of the Lake Lucerne Summit.

A spokesperson for the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Majed Al Ansari, stated that both sides agreed to continue their dialogues, with the next round scheduled as soon as possible after the mourning ceremonies for the former Supreme Leader of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, on July 9th.

Over two days of negotiations centered around navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and economic incentives for Iran, which are fundamental pillars of the initial agreement signed last month. These topics did not include more complex issues such as Iran’s nuclear program, which were reportedly addressed in subsequent discussions. President Donald Trump indicated that progress had been made regarding potential restrictions on Iran’s nuclear program, stating that the process of denuclearization was proceeding very well. However, sources familiar with the negotiations noted that the nuclear program was not discussed during the technical talks. Vice President Mike Pence mentioned that the specific topic would be addressed in later stages.

Neither side clarified whether an agreement had been reached on the matter, leaving room for further speculation and uncertainty about the future of U.S.-Iran relations.

Meanwhile, Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian issued a message to the U.S., emphasizing that Tehran would uphold its commitments only if Washington did the same. He stressed that mutual understanding is a two-way street, asserting that if the American side adheres to the agreement, Iran would fulfill its obligations. Pezeshkian criticized what he described as irrational complaints and baseless threats from the White House, stating that Iran responds decisively when necessary but with logic and respect for human dignity.

The Iranian foreign ministry clarified that no new negotiations with the U.S. were planned in the near future, focusing instead on implementing the terms of the understanding memorandum. Esmaeil Baghaei, a representative of the Iranian foreign ministry and part of the negotiation team, stated that the priority for Tehran remains the implementation of the provisions of the understanding memorandum and advancing Iranian demands stemming from it.

Baghaei noted that the U.S. had already issued the required permits under clause 10 of the memorandum concerning the sale of Iranian crude oil. Implementation of clause 11, relating to the release of frozen Iranian assets, is underway. A delegation of Iranian experts is expected to travel to Doha later in the week to monitor the implementation of the agreement. Baghaei explained that the parties have not yet entered into the phase of negotiating a final agreement, stating that discussions on a definitive agreement can begin only after the implementation of clauses 1, 4, 5, 10, and 11, a process still in progress.

Regarding the Strait of Hormuz, more than 25 commercial ships passed through the strait in the past 24 hours, according to data from MarineTraffic, ahead of the peace talks between the U.S. and Iran, which, according to President Trump, are expected to take place tomorrow. Specifically, six tankers and eight cargo ships exited the Persian Gulf, while five tankers and six cargo ships entered it. These numbers remain consistent with recent days, although they show a slight decrease compared to previous periods.

Iraq’s Foreign Minister Abad Aragchi emphasized that the Strait of Hormuz remains fully under Iranian control, stating that any action or interference would delay the reopening of the important sea route. He informed his Iraqi counterpart about the latest results of the war imposed on Iran and updates regarding the understanding memorandum signed between Iran and the U.S. Aragchi reiterated that the responsibility for managing the Strait lies solely with Iran, and any external involvement would worsen the situation and delay the restoration of the maritime corridor.

He also commented on the incidents and conflicts in the Strait over the past two nights, referring to the U.S. attacks against Iranian facilities as a response to drone strikes against two commercial ships near the Strait. Regarding Lebanon, Aragchi lamented that the Zionists continue air strikes against Lebanon, adding that the understanding memorandum had been accepted by Israel. He urged Washington to hold Israel accountable and force it to stop its attacks on Lebanon to end the war, calling on the U.S. to pressure Israel to withdraw from areas occupied in Lebanon, emphasizing that this was the first provision of the cooperation memorandum.

President Trump mentioned that talks would take place in Doha tomorrow, describing them as possibly significant or not. In a post on Truth Social, he wrote that a meeting would occur in Doha, without providing details. Later, he supported the idea that the U.S. is making progress in the effort to denuclearize Iran, referencing the contacts that would take place in Qatar. Trump suggested that the meeting might prove crucial or not, but emphasized that the process is moving in favor of the U.S., stating that the main goal remains preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

Meanwhile, Steve Witko, the U.S. special envoy for the Middle East, is en route to Doha, though it is unclear if Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law, is joining him. An unnamed senior U.S. official told CNN that technical talks on the "understanding memorandum" are progressing as planned despite the recent escalation of tensions in the region.

The Iranian side denied plans for new negotiations with the U.S. in the coming days, emphasizing that Tehran is focused on implementing the "understanding memorandum" rather than initiating new rounds of dialogue. According to Reuters, Esmaeil Baghaei, a representative of the Iranian foreign ministry, stated that an Iranian technical delegation would visit Qatar within the week, but denied any connection between the visit of the Iranian delegation to Doha and the presence of U.S. officials in Qatar. Baghaei emphasized that no negotiations between Iran and the U.S. are planned for the upcoming days, as the implementation of specific points of the memorandum takes precedence.