Qatar Says No Direct US-Iran Talks Planned as Trump Team Heads to Doha for High-Stakes Diplomacy Amid Rising Tensions
US and Iranian delegations have arrived in Qatar as peace talks are set to resume, although Tehran has not agreed to direct meetings. The US team, including envoy Steve Witkoff and President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, will meet with Qatari mediators to discuss negotiations with Iran.
Qatar's foreign ministry spokesperson, Majed Al Ansari, confirmed that there will be no high-level meeting between Washington and Tehran. Qatar currently holds $6 billion in frozen Iranian funds, and Doha has been coordinating with Oman to ensure safe passage for vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei stated that dialogue with Qatar on implementing the interim deal and releasing the frozen funds is expected to take place on Wednesday. The discussions will focus on the release of Iranian assets, a key aspect of the interim arrangement.
As tensions remain high, President Donald Trump has called for lower gasoline prices ahead of the July 4 holiday travel weekend. Trump emphasized the need for affordability at the gas pump, citing the current oil price of $68 a barrel. He also criticized high-gas tax states like California, urging them to reduce their taxes.
Trump expressed skepticism about the upcoming peace talks in Doha but stated that his envoys would listen if Iran is willing to talk peace. The President reiterated his commitment to a "peace through strength" approach, emphasizing the importance of denuclearization in Iran.
Qatar's foreign ministry spokesperson, Majed Al Ansari, confirmed that there will be no high-level meeting between Washington and Tehran. Qatar currently holds $6 billion in frozen Iranian funds, and Doha has been coordinating with Oman to ensure safe passage for vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei stated that dialogue with Qatar on implementing the interim deal and releasing the frozen funds is expected to take place on Wednesday. The discussions will focus on the release of Iranian assets, a key aspect of the interim arrangement.
As tensions remain high, President Donald Trump has called for lower gasoline prices ahead of the July 4 holiday travel weekend. Trump emphasized the need for affordability at the gas pump, citing the current oil price of $68 a barrel. He also criticized high-gas tax states like California, urging them to reduce their taxes.
Trump expressed skepticism about the upcoming peace talks in Doha but stated that his envoys would listen if Iran is willing to talk peace. The President reiterated his commitment to a "peace through strength" approach, emphasizing the importance of denuclearization in Iran.
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