Chinese state media; closely tracks US-Iran diplomacy given China's role as Iran's largest oil buyer

CGTN leads with Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi's announcement at a press conference in Doha that two days of indirect talks have concluded with 'positive progress.' The talks covered maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz and the release of $6 billion in frozen Iranian assets, with goods to be purchased based on Iranian needs. CGTN explicitly notes that Iran's nuclear programme was not on the agenda, and that VP Vance said nuclear talks would come 'later.' Qatar's foreign ministry confirmed a next round will convene after Ayatollah Khamenei's funeral ceremonies conclude July 9.

“Iran's Deputy FM Gharibabadi: 'positive progress' on Hormuz and frozen assets; nuclear programme not discussed; next round after Khamenei funeral July 9.”