U.S. envoys expected in Doha as Iran denies talks
U. S. officials are expected to travel to Doha for mediation with Iran, while Qatar prepares to release half of Tehran's frozen assets, according to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. Pezeshkian said Qatar will return $6 billion of the $12 billion it holds, but noted that talks with the United States remain uncertain amid recent Gulf attacks. President Donald Trump later announced that Iran had asked for a meeting in Doha, a claim the Iranian senior negotiator disputed, saying no talks had been arranged. Trump subsequently said a U. S.
–Iran meeting was set for Doha, but Iran's foreign ministry reiterated that no negotiation sessions were planned, pointing to the implementation of a memorandum of understanding. Despite the conflicting statements, U. S. advisers and an Iranian delegation are reported to be preparing to meet in Qatar to discuss a newly signed cease-fire, as tensions in the Strait of Hormuz affect shipping and energy markets. DW reported that U. S. representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are expected to arrive in Doha for mediation, while Iran's foreign ministry continues to deny any imminent talks.
