The next indirect U.S.-Iran talks will come after the late Iranian supreme leader’s funeral, mediators said Thursday, as diplomacy inches ahead on ending the Middle East war.

Following the foes’ indirect discussions in Doha on Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump as well as mediators Qatar and Pakistan offered signs that diplomacy was holding, despite exchanges of fire this week.

An interim deal was agreed to reopen the vital Strait of Hormuz and end hostilities, but major questions still need to be tackled in talks, including Iran’s nuclear programme.

“Qatari and Pakistani mediators concluded separate meetings with the U.S. and Iranian negotiators in Doha (Wednesday), with positive progress made,” Pakistan said Thursday.

Islamabad added the sides agreed to keep talking, “with the next meeting to be set at the earliest possible time following the funeral processions of the former Iranian Supreme Leader.”

-AFP