US and Iran reportedly agree to de-escalate, avoid major war

In a new development, US President Donald Trump has commented on the ongoing diplomatic efforts with Iran. According to available reports, Trump stated that dealings with Iran are “progressing well.”

His statements have reportedly sparked debate, with some reports citing a claim that Iran has accepted all conditions related to the nuclear deal and peace talks.

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Updated: 5:30 AM PKT — July 3, 2026

Qatari and Pakistani mediators held separate meetings with US and Iranian negotiators in Doha on Thursday, making “positive progress” on key issues, according to the Foreign Office. The talks were a follow-up to the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding and the understandings reached at the Lake Lucerne Summit.

The parties have agreed to continue discussions, with the next meeting to be scheduled after the funeral of the former Iranian Supreme Leader. Pakistan and Qatar are facilitating the engagement.

In a separate development, a media report cited a claim from Trump that Iran has agreed to “just about everything we need” in the talks. The details of this claim have not been officially confirmed.

Updated: 10:11 PM PKT — July 2, 2026

In a separate development, reports have emerged suggesting that Israel is preparing for a potential strike against Iran.

Updated: 8:58 PM PKT — July 2, 2026

In a new development following talks, both Iran and the United States have reportedly agreed that the region is safe from a major war, indicating a move towards de-escalation.

Updated: 8:22 PM PKT — July 2, 2026

The latest round of indirect talks between Iran and the United States in Doha has concluded with no sign of progress toward a lasting agreement, according to reports. The two days of negotiations reportedly focused on maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz and the unfreezing of Iranian assets.

In Washington, U.S. President Donald Trump offered a different perspective, stating that negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program were “moving along well.”

The conclusion of the talks saw most Gulf stock markets end lower on Thursday. Qatar’s Foreign Ministry has stated that the next round of negotiations will take place after July 9, following the funeral for Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Updated: 3:30 PM PKT — July 2, 2026

Following the conclusion of the US-Iran talks in Doha, Qatar has denied reports of an agreement to transfer $6 billion in frozen assets to Iran. Separately, reports indicate a drop in worldwide oil prices after the talks ended.

Updated: 2:53 PM PKT — July 2, 2026

Following the conclusion of the recent negotiations in Doha, both Iran and the United States have agreed to continue the talks, according to the latest reports.

Updated: 1:39 PM PKT — July 2, 2026

A recent round of negotiations in Doha has concluded with what sources described as a “major breakthrough.” As part of the progress, an agreement has reportedly been reached for the release of frozen Iranian assets. Following the conclusion of the talks, Iran has issued a statement.

Updated: 12:26 PM PKT — July 2, 2026

Mediators from Qatar and Pakistan have reported positive progress in talks between US and Iranian negotiators regarding the Islamabad MOU, the Foreign Office stated on Thursday. The discussions in Doha built upon the Lake Lucerne Summit.

According to the FO, the parties have agreed to continue discussions, with the next meeting to be scheduled after the funeral processions for the former Iranian supreme leader. Available reports suggest the recent round of indirect talks focused on maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz and financial incentives.

In a related development, the Iranian President has reportedly defended the negotiations with the United States.

Updated: 10:44 AM PKT — July 2, 2026

In a new development, Qatar has issued a major statement regarding the US-Iran talks. At the same time, reports have emerged that Iran’s Supreme Leader has made a significant decision concerning the negotiations with the United States.

Updated: 9:57 AM PKT — July 2, 2026

Qatari and Pakistani mediators have announced “positive progress” following a round of indirect talks between US and Iranian negotiators in Doha. In separate statements, officials from both mediating countries confirmed the meetings focused on the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, building on the outcomes of the Lake Lucerne Summit.

Sources familiar with the discussions said the talks covered maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz and the unfreezing of Iran’s funds. The nuclear program was reportedly not on the agenda for these technical talks. The parties have agreed to continue discussions, with the next meeting to be scheduled after the funeral for the former Iranian Supreme Leader.

Following the talks, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi announced that a communication channel would be established to report and record violations of the memorandum. He also stated that Tehran would use some of its frozen assets in Qatar to purchase goods.

Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian defended his government’s engagement in the negotiations, stating there had been no directive from the country’s Supreme Leader prohibiting the talks.

Updated: 5:08 AM PKT — July 2, 2026

Qatar has confirmed that talks between the United States and Iran will continue, following reports of positive progress in the discussions being held in Doha.

Updated: 6:30 PM PKT — July 1, 2026

US President Donald Trump commented on Wednesday that the United States was “getting along very well” with Iran and that recent meetings in Qatar had progressed positively. “The denuclearization of Iran is moving along well,” he told reporters.

The technical talks in Doha, reportedly mediated by Qatar and Pakistan, are focused on the flow of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and securing a lasting ceasefire. Reports also indicated that Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff met with the prime minister of Qatar to help lay the groundwork for the negotiations but did not attend the technical discussions themselves.

Updated: 5:10 PM PKT — July 1, 2026

Further details have emerged regarding the technical talks between US and Iranian delegations in Doha. Reports from Wednesday indicate the discussions focused on the flow of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and securing a lasting ceasefire.

Separately, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi warned of an “immediate and powerful response to any threat against its people or leadership.” The statement was reportedly a reaction to comments made by Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz regarding Iran’s supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei.

In a social media post, Araqchi stated, “POTUS has committed the U.S. to muzzling its pets in Tel Aviv. If they ignore their master, Iran will school them.”

Updated: 4:45 PM PKT — July 1, 2026

A new development has emerged from Doha, where reports now indicate that “technical talks” have taken place between the US and Iran. This follows earlier statements that no direct meeting was scheduled between the two countries’ envoys.

Updated: 2:55 PM PKT — July 1, 2026

Reports on Wednesday indicate that Iran has stated it will not meet with the US envoys currently in the region, creating uncertainty around the prospects for a peace agreement. The development has reportedly contributed to a slip in European stock markets and raised concerns about oil prices. The pan-European STOXX 600 index was reported to have slipped by 0.1% amid the news.

Updated: 1:10 PM PKT — July 1, 2026

Available reports have identified members of the US delegation meeting with the Qatari Prime Minister in Doha as individuals named Shaqouf and Kushner.

Updated: 11:24 AM PKT — July 1, 2026

As diplomatic discussions continue in Doha, visiting US envoys have also met with Qatar’s Foreign Minister.

Updated: 10:49 AM PKT — July 1, 2026

The Prime Minister of Qatar has held a meeting with the visiting US delegation in Doha, according to available reports.

Updated: 7:04 AM PKT — July 1, 2026

In a development related to the ongoing diplomatic discussions in Doha, Baqir Qalibaf has stated that there will be no deal until hostilities end.

Updated: 3:25 AM PKT — July 1, 2026

The ongoing diplomatic discussions in Doha concerning US-Iran relations are reportedly focused on a potential Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), the issue of frozen funds, and the Strait of Hormuz, according to available information.

Updated: 2:53 AM PKT — July 1, 2026

The death toll from the tuition centre roof collapse in Lahore’s Kahna area has been confirmed at 14 children.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has expressed deep grief over the tragedy.

Updated: 1:15 AM PKT — July 1, 2026

Iranian officials have denied that any direct meeting with their American counterparts took place in Doha, according to available reports. The discussions are reportedly part of a 60-day negotiation period.

Available reports suggest that the US-Iran negotiations being held in Qatar have reached a deadlock. Separately, Pakistan’s Special Representative on Afghanistan, Asif Durrani, has also made a statement regarding the talks.