U.S. diplomats are expected to meet Qatari mediators in Doha on Tuesday to discuss the latest efforts to ease tensions between Washington and Tehran.
However, Qatar’s Foreign Ministry said no high-level meeting between U.S. and Iranian officials is currently scheduled.
Witkoff and Kushner to Meet Qatari Mediators
U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump’s son-in-law, are expected to hold talks with Qatari officials.
The discussions will focus on Qatar’s mediation efforts and the wider diplomatic process between the United States and Iran.
A Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesperson also confirmed that $6 billion in frozen Iranian funds has not been transferred to Tehran.
Conflicting Signals Over U.S.-Iran Talks
Reports about the timing and format of the next round of discussions remain unclear.
Pakistan, which has worked alongside Qatar as a mediator, previously suggested that technical talks between the United States and Iran would resume on Tuesday.
Trump also said American and Iranian officials would meet in Qatar. Meanwhile, Witkoff was reportedly travelling to Doha.
However, Iranian officials have offered a different account.
Iran Says No Direct Negotiations Are Scheduled
An Iranian expert delegation is expected to travel to Doha later in the week, according to Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei.
Nevertheless, Baghaei said no direct negotiations with the United States were scheduled for the coming days.
The statements suggest that officials may hold separate consultations with mediators rather than take part in formal face-to-face negotiations.
Strait of Hormuz Ceasefire Remains Fragile
The diplomatic activity follows reports that Washington and Tehran agreed to stop attacks around the Strait of Hormuz.
Fighting in the strategically important waterway intensified last week. The renewed violence threatened a fragile memorandum of understanding reached earlier in June.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important energy routes, carrying around one-fifth of global oil supplies.
Oil Prices Return Near Pre-War Levels
Brent crude prices have fallen back toward levels seen before the conflict intensified.
Brent futures were trading near $73.38 per barrel following the interim peace agreement.
However, ING analysts warned that the recent decline in oil prices may have gone too far.
They argued that traders may be expecting Persian Gulf oil supplies to normalize sooner than current conditions justify.
Control of the Strait Remains a Major Dispute
Despite the temporary framework agreement, several major issues remain unresolved.
Washington says the Strait of Hormuz should remain open to tanker traffic without restrictions.
Iran, however, wants to retain some degree of control over the waterway.
This disagreement reportedly contributed to last week’s brief exchange of attacks.
Qatar has been working with Oman to improve security and ensure the safe passage of commercial vessels through the strait.
Nuclear Program Remains a Key Sticking Point
Iran’s nuclear program is another major obstacle in the U.S.-Iran talks.
Trump has repeatedly demanded that Tehran abandon its nuclear ambitions.
Iran maintains that its nuclear activities are intended for peaceful civilian purposes.
The memorandum of understanding reportedly includes a 60-day period for both sides to discuss the issue and work toward a possible agreement.
Sanctions and Regional Conflicts Remain Unresolved
Questions surrounding sanctions relief and possible waivers also remain unanswered.
Regional tensions add another layer of complexity. Fighting continues in Lebanon between U.S.-aligned Israeli forces and Iran-backed Hezbollah militants.
These disputes must be addressed before the deadline for a broader peace agreement, which is expected around the middle of August.
For now, Qatar’s statement suggests that diplomatic contacts will continue through mediators rather than through a high-level meeting between Washington and Tehran.
