Washington: US President Donald Trump has said relations between the United States and Iran are improving, expressing optimism over ongoing indirect negotiations in Qatar aimed at preserving a fragile ceasefire and advancing broader diplomatic efforts.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Trump said recent meetings between American and Iranian representatives had been constructive and voiced confidence that discussions related to Iran’s nuclear programme were moving in a positive direction.
Trump expresses optimism
“We’re getting along very well,” Trump told reporters.
“The denuclearisation of Iran is moving along well. They’ve had very good meetings, and we’ll see.”
His remarks come just days after the United States carried out military strikes on Iranian targets following escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran over disagreements related to an interim peace agreement.
Despite the recent military confrontation, Trump said diplomatic engagement had improved significantly.
“We hit them very hard last week,” he said, adding that both sides had “come a long way.”
When asked about Iran’s current situation, Trump replied, “I think they’re fine.”
Doha talks focus on ceasefire and shipping
Indirect technical talks between US and Iranian officials continued in Doha on Wednesday under the mediation of Qatar and Pakistan.
The negotiations are primarily focused on maintaining the ceasefire reached last month and ensuring the safe movement of commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s busiest energy corridors.
The discussions are based on a 14-point interim agreement that ended weeks of conflict and established a 60-day framework for negotiating a broader peace settlement.
Although Trump suggested progress on Iran’s nuclear issue, officials involved in the talks have not indicated that the subject was formally discussed during the latest technical meetings.
Senior US officials support diplomatic process
US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner travelled to Qatar before the negotiations and met senior Qatari leaders to help prepare the diplomatic process.
According to reports, neither official participated directly in the technical discussions.
The two later met Qatar’s Emir to discuss developments related to the US-Iran negotiations as well as the ongoing security situation in Lebanon.
Iran’s delegation was led by Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi and included officials from the foreign ministry, central bank and agriculture ministry.
Shipping and frozen assets remain priorities
One of the key objectives of the current negotiations is maintaining uninterrupted commercial navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran is seeking broader international recognition of its authority over the strategic waterway and has also pressed for the release of $6 billion in frozen Iranian assets.
The United States, meanwhile, remains focused on ensuring the uninterrupted flow of commercial shipping through the Gulf.
Iranian state media also reported that a foreign container ship ran aground after entering shallow waters outside the designated shipping lane, highlighting the continuing navigational challenges in the region.
Lebanon discussions continue
Efforts to reduce regional tensions, particularly in Lebanon, are also part of the wider diplomatic agenda.
The United States has been supporting separate negotiations involving Israel and the Lebanese government to establish a new security framework along the border.
However, Hezbollah has opposed the proposal, raising uncertainty over prospects for a long-term settlement.
Diplomatic sources indicated that discussions concerning Lebanon continued alongside the Doha negotiations as efforts to reduce tensions across the region remain ongoing.
While significant differences remain between Washington and Tehran, both sides have indicated a willingness to continue dialogue, with future rounds of negotiations expected to build on the progress made in Doha.