DUBAI/WASHINGTON: Iran has denied that any negotiations with the United States are scheduled this week, despite reports that American and Iranian delegations are expected to travel to Doha as efforts continue to preserve a fragile ceasefire after four months of conflict.
The White House said President Donald Trump is dispatching senior adviser Jared Kushner and special envoy Steve Witkoff to Qatar to lead the US negotiating team. However, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said Tehran’s technical delegation would visit Qatar for separate engagements and insisted no meetings with US officials were planned.
The conflicting accounts highlight the uncertainty surrounding the June 17 ceasefire agreement, which aims to halt hostilities, safeguard shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, address Iran’s nuclear programme, and lay the groundwork for a permanent peace deal.
A senior Iranian official, however, said discussions in Doha could focus on maritime security and reducing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, while technical teams from both countries are expected to hold separate consultations with Qatari and Pakistani mediators.
The renewed tensions have disrupted shipping through the strategic waterway, driven oil prices higher, and raised concerns over global energy supplies. Over the weekend, both Washington and Tehran accused each other of fresh military attacks despite the ceasefire.
Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian announced that $6 billion in Iranian assets frozen in Qatar would be released under the ceasefire arrangement. France also pledged to work with Oman and international partners to secure navigation through the Strait of Hormuz as diplomatic efforts to stabilise the region continue.
