Trump Says Doha Talks Will Focus on Iran’s Denuclearization as Tehran Pushes Control Over Hormuz

President Trump said talks are expected in Doha, Qatar, over Iran’s denuclearization, saying the meeting was requested by Iran and that U.S. representatives are on their way.

The White House said envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are expected to attend high-level meetings in Doha, with technical-level discussions also planned. Trump said the talks “may be important, or may not be,” but stressed that the main goal remains stopping Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.

Iran, however, is sending mixed signals. Iranian officials say there are no planned follow-up negotiations with the United States in the coming days, while also confirming that an Iranian delegation will be in Doha to review the implementation of a memorandum of understanding.

At the same time, Tehran is doubling down on its claim of control over the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said Iran may manage shipping routes with Oman, but warned that if Oman does not cooperate, Iran will move ahead on its own. He also said no outside country would be allowed to take part in mine-clearing operations in the strait.

The United States opposes any Iranian attempt to impose tolls or fees on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz and wants free navigation restored. The dispute is expected to be a major issue if talks move forward in Doha.

Meanwhile, the Israel-Hezbollah front remains tense. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun told U.S. Central Command chief Brad Cooper that Lebanon intends to expand army control up to the Israeli border. Israel says no further withdrawals will happen unless Hezbollah is disarmed.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog warned that Iran’s nuclear ambitions and its control over Hezbollah threaten not only Israel, but the wider region. Defense Minister Israel Katz also made clear that Israel will not hand Hezbollah a security victory in southern Lebanon.

The bottom line: Trump is pushing to stop Iran’s nuclear threat, while Tehran is trying to leverage Hormuz and Hezbollah to maintain regional pressure. Israel and the United States cannot allow Iran or its terror network to dictate the future of the Middle East.