Uncertainty continues to surround possible talks between the United States and Iran in Doha after Tehran denied agreeing to any direct engagement with Washington.
While both countries have confirmed that delegations will travel to Qatar this week, Iranian officials said no meeting with the US has been arranged. US President Donald Trump, however, claimed that discussions would take place on Tuesday in Doha.
"IRAN HAS REQUESTED A MEETING. IT WILL TAKE PLACE TOMORROW IN DOHA!" Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform on Monday.
Also Read | What is Article 5 and why is it at the centre of US-Iran strikes?
Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said the Iranian delegation was heading to Qatar to discuss the terms of the interim agreement through mediation efforts and without direct US involvement.
White House confirms US delegation visit
The White House said US special envoy Steve Witkoff and senior adviser Jared Kushner would travel to Doha for discussions linked to the memorandum of understanding, per a report by Hindustan Times.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the meeting had been sought by Iran.
"I just spoke with the president. Iran requested a meeting. Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff will travel to Doha to discuss the memorandum of understanding. On the sidelines of high-level talks, there will be technical talks," Leavitt was quoted as saying by HT.
The diplomatic efforts come despite renewed tensions in the Gulf following recent military exchanges involving the two countries.
Strait of Hormuz remains a key concern
The Strait of Hormuz continues to be one of the main sticking points in the negotiations. The strategically important waterway, bordered by Iran and Oman, handles a significant share of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas shipments.
Also Read | Trump's portrait on a US passport? New limited-edition design unveiled for America's 250th anniversary
The latest escalation came after the US said it struck Iranian military targets following attacks on commercial shipping. Iran later said it responded by targeting US bases in Kuwait and Bahrain.
Oil prices decline amid diplomatic hopes
Oil prices fell on Tuesday as investors watched developments in Doha closely. Brent crude and US West Texas Intermediate crude both recorded losses as markets reacted to the possibility of renewed diplomatic engagement, HT reported.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also said that $6 billion of Iranian assets frozen in Qatar would be released. He described the memorandum, which includes US sanctions waivers on Iran's oil and petrochemical sectors, as "a great victory for the Iranian people", HT reported.
FAQs:
Why did Iran reject Trump’s Doha talks claim?
Iran said it had not agreed to hold direct talks with the US at any level.
Why did oil prices fall after the Doha developments?
Markets reacted to hopes of diplomacy and a possible easing of tensions between the US and Iran.
