US and Iran announce Qatar talks, but disagree on meeting format
The United States and Iran have both stated they will send delegations to Qatar this week, following a weekend of attacks in the Persian Gulf. However, the two countries differ on whether direct talks will take place.
US President Donald Trump said on Monday that Iran had requested a meeting with US officials and that a meeting was planned for Tuesday in Doha, Qatar. But Iran's senior negotiators denied that any talks had been scheduled. A spokesman for Iran's Foreign Ministry said Tehran would send a delegation to Qatar, which has been a key mediator, but only to discuss terms of an interim deal without involving the United States.
Hostilities have escalated in the Strait of Hormuz in recent days, with both sides trading strikes over four days. The US and Iran had earlier agreed to an interim deal that requires Iran to dilute its enriched uranium stockpile. In return, the US would waive oil sanctions on Iran, ensure free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, and allow 60 days for broader agreements to be negotiated.
The conflicting statements highlight ongoing mistrust between the two nations, even as diplomatic channels remain open. Observers note that Qatar's role as a neutral venue may facilitate indirect communication, but no concrete outcomes are expected until both sides align their positions.
