US President Donald Trump has said the United States and Iran are expected to hold talks in Qatar this week, although Tehran has denied that any direct negotiations with Washington are planned.
Trump said Iran had requested the meeting, while White House officials confirmed that US envoy Steve Witkoff and senior adviser Jared Kushner would travel to Doha for high-level discussions. CNN also reported that Witkoff was en route to Qatar.
However, Iran’s Foreign Ministry said its delegation would only attend meetings in Doha with experts and insisted that no negotiations with US officials were scheduled.
The differing statements come despite a preliminary agreement between Washington and Tehran aimed at ending recent hostilities and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route for global energy supplies. Although both sides have sent delegations to Qatar, uncertainty remains over the purpose and timing of any potential talks.
The Strait of Hormuz continues to be a major point of disagreement. Iran and Oman recently held the first meeting of a joint committee to discuss the future administration of the waterway following the agreement.
Tehran also criticised plans announced by France and Oman to carry out joint de-mining operations in the strait, arguing that under the existing understanding, Iran alone should oversee mine clearance efforts.
Maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz slowed over the weekend following security incidents in the area, with shipping data showing fewer commercial vessels transiting the strategic waterway.
The published memorandum between the United States and Iran states that the future management of the strait will be discussed with Oman and other Gulf states in line with international law, while Iran has maintained that it will continue to enforce security measures in the area.
