U.S. and Iran to set up direct military channel in Doha

The United States and Iran have agreed to establish a direct military communication channel in Doha, Qatar, aimed at reducing tensions and preventing potential conflicts. The channel will facilitate direct contact between the U.S. Central Command and Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, allowing officials to address disputes without intermediaries, according to U.S. officials.

Vice President JD Vance announced the agreement, stating it was reached during talks with Iranian officials in Switzerland that concluded on Monday. He described the arrangement as a key outcome sought by the U.S. to create a channel for conflict resolution on the Iranian side. Vance said Iranian officials agreed to send an IRGC representative to Doha to meet with a CENTCOM counterpart.

The development marks a significant diplomatic shift, as the two nations do not maintain formal diplomatic relations and have historically relied on third-party communication. The agreement comes amid ongoing regional tensions, including recent incidents in the Strait of Hormuz. Analysts note the move is unusual given the IRGC’s designation by the U.S. as a Foreign Terrorist Organization, a label applied in 2019. They...