Diplomatic efforts continue despite Tehran ruling out direct US talks
Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani met US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and senior adviser Jared Kushner in Doha on Tuesday to discuss ongoing diplomatic efforts surrounding US-Iran negotiations and broader regional security, Qatar’s Foreign Ministry said.
According to an official statement, the meeting focused on the latest developments related to negotiations under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, with both sides reviewing efforts to strengthen regional stability through continued dialogue and diplomacy.
The officials also discussed wider regional developments, particularly the ceasefire in Lebanon. They emphasised the importance of preserving the truce and building upon it to safeguard Lebanon’s sovereignty, unity and long-term stability.
Last week, Lebanon and Israel signed a US-backed framework agreement designed to facilitate a phased Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory while reducing cross-border hostilities.
Qatar pledges continued mediation as indirect contacts move forward
During the meeting, Sheikh Mohammed reaffirmed Qatar’s commitment to supporting all diplomatic initiatives stemming from the memorandum of understanding. He said Doha would continue mediation efforts aimed at achieving a comprehensive and sustainable agreement that promotes regional security, protects the interests of regional populations and strengthens international peace.
Meanwhile, Witkoff and Kushner praised Qatar’s mediation efforts, alongside Pakistan’s role in facilitating negotiations. They reiterated Washington’s commitment to pursuing diplomacy to reach a comprehensive agreement with Tehran.
The US delegation arrived in Doha after President Donald Trump announced that Iran had requested a meeting in the Qatari capital. However, Tehran denied that direct talks with Washington had been scheduled, while confirming that consultations through intermediaries remain ongoing.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said Iranian negotiators would meet Qatari mediators on Wednesday to discuss implementation of the memorandum, including the release of frozen Iranian assets, but again ruled out direct negotiations with the United States.
The Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding entered into force on June 18 after Presidents Donald Trump and Masoud Pezeshkian electronically signed the agreement. It provides a framework for addressing sanctions, the nuclear issue, maritime security, the Strait of Hormuz and broader regional stability through negotiations.
