Iran, US negotiators depart for Doha for talks, but meeting hangs in balance

DOHA – Iran and United States (US) negotiators departed for Doha for talks but the meeting is uncertain and hangs in balance amid tensions over the Strait of Hormuz, the international media reported on Tuesday. Iran, however, ruled out any negotiations with the United States in the coming days despite the likely meeting in Doha. Iran’s Foreign Ministry dismissed reports of imminent talks with the United States, saying no meetings between officials of the two countries have been scheduled in Doha. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei confirmed that although an Iranian technical delegation would travel to Qatar this week, the visit was unrelated to any planned engagement with US representatives. “We will not have any negotiation meetings at any level with the American side in the coming days,” Baghaei said, rejecting speculation of direct negotiations. The US administration, meanwhile, is expected to send a delegation led by presidential envoy Steve Witkoff and senior adviser Jared Kushner to Qatar as diplomatic efforts continue to prevent further escalation in the region. The conflicting statements have raised fresh doubts about the future of a 14-point memorandum of understanding reached on June 17, under which both countries agreed to pause hostilities for at least 60 days, discuss Iran’s nuclear programme and work toward a permanent ceasefire. Implementation of the agreement has remained slow, with both sides accusing each other of violating its terms. The conflict has severely disrupted maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway that carries a significant share of the world’s oil exports. Following military strikes and escalating regional tensions, commercial shipping in the area has been affected, pushing global oil prices above $100 per barrel and raising concerns over inflation and energy supplies. Despite Iran’s official denial, senior officials familiar with diplomatic efforts indica