The United States and Iran have announced that they will send delegations to Qatar this week, but both countries remain divided over whether direct talks will actually take place after days of military tensions in the Persian Gulf.
US President Donald Trump said Iran had requested a meeting and that officials from both sides were expected to meet in Doha on Tuesday. However, Iranian officials denied that any direct meeting with the US had been scheduled.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry said its delegation would travel to Qatar to discuss the terms of the interim agreement and other related issues with Qatari mediators, without direct involvement from the United States.
The latest development comes after both countries appeared to pause military strikes following several days of attacks in and around the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil shipping route. The recent tensions had raised concerns over energy supplies and regional stability.
The interim agreement reached earlier this month includes Iran reducing its enriched uranium stockpile, easing certain US-backed oil sanctions, and ensuring free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz while both sides work toward a broader agreement.
Meanwhile, US officials said $6 billion in frozen Iranian assets held in Qatar is expected to be released for humanitarian purchases, including food. Iran also confirmed the expected release of the funds.
Despite the temporary pause in hostilities, uncertainty remains over the next round of diplomacy as both Washington and Tehran continue to issue conflicting statements about future negotiations. (Agencies)
