What’s Happening in Doha? Indirect US-Iran Talks Under Qatar's Mediation

Indirect Negotiations Between the US and Iran

Doha: On Wednesday, indirect discussions between the United States and Iran commenced in Doha, facilitated by Qatar and Pakistan.

According to a source, these negotiations are being conducted without direct interactions between the two parties. "The sessions are private and are being mediated," the source informed a news agency.

The focus of these discussions is on the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) established in Islamabad on June 17, which includes topics such as the release of frozen Iranian assets and maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz.

On Tuesday, Qatar confirmed that special envoys from the Trump administration, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, have arrived in Doha but will not engage in direct talks with Iranian representatives.

Majed Al-Ansari, spokesperson for the Qatari Foreign Ministry, stated during a weekly briefing that the US delegation would instead confer with mediators regarding the progress of the MoU's implementation.

Al-Ansari also highlighted that the $6 billion in frozen Iranian assets has not yet been transferred to Tehran.

These comments come amid differing narratives from Washington and Tehran regarding the nature of the ongoing discussions in Doha. The US has characterized these talks as part of the MoU implementation process, while Iran has refuted claims of any scheduled direct negotiations with US officials.

Later, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf asserted that Iran would not engage in negotiations with the US regarding a final agreement until specific provisions of the recently signed MoU are executed.

In an interview with state-run IRIB TV, Qalibaf, who also leads Iran's negotiating team, elaborated on the latest developments concerning the MoU's implementation and discussions with the US.

He mentioned that Iran's recent visit to Switzerland aimed to fulfill the MoU's provisions to end the conflict on all fronts, including Lebanon, lifting the US naval blockade, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, issuing waivers for Iranian crude oil exports, and releasing frozen Iranian assets.

Qalibaf emphasized that the implementation of other provisions would not commence unless these five preliminary conditions are met.

He also noted that Iran, the US, and Lebanon have agreed to establish a joint committee to enforce the ceasefire, ensure the end of hostilities in Lebanon, and maintain Lebanese sovereignty, with Iran and the US already designating their representatives.

Qalibaf concluded by stating that Iran is committed to dialogue while also prepared to respond forcefully when necessary.