World News
Iran Denies Scheduled US Talks in Qatar, Says Final Nuclear Negotiations Yet to Begin
Iran has firmly denied reports suggesting that negotiations with the United States are set to take place in Qatar in the coming days, emphasizing that discussions on a final agreement have not yet entered the formal negotiation phase.
Iran has firmly denied reports suggesting that negotiations with the United States are set to take place in Qatar in the coming days, emphasizing that discussions on a final agreement have not yet entered the formal negotiation phase.
Speaking at a press briefing, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said there are currently no meetings planned with American officials at any level.
“In the coming days, we have no negotiation meetings at any level with the American side,” Baghaei stated, according to Iranian media reports.
He also clarified that the visit of an Iranian delegation to Qatar is unrelated to any direct engagement with US representatives.
Iranian Delegation’s Qatar Visit Linked to MoU Implementation
Baghaei explained that Iran’s delegation is travelling to Doha to oversee the implementation of commitments outlined in the recently signed 14-point Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
According to him, progress on several confidence-building measures is required before negotiations on a comprehensive agreement can officially begin.
“We have not yet entered the negotiation phase for the final agreement,” he said.
Iran maintains that Article 13 of the MoU clearly states that formal negotiations can only commence after implementation begins on several key provisions, including Articles 1, 4, 5, 10 and 11.
One of the most significant provisions, Article 11, focuses on granting Iran access to frozen or restricted assets through mutually agreed mechanisms and authorizations.
White House Signals Continued Diplomatic Engagement
Despite Tehran’s position, the White House has indicated that diplomatic contacts between both countries remain active.
According to US officials, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and senior adviser Jared Kushner are expected to travel to Doha as Washington seeks to maintain momentum in ongoing diplomatic efforts.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told Fox News that President Donald Trump supports continued engagement and believes Iran should work toward a broader agreement with Washington.
“The president wants to see the peace process play out, and Iranians would be best to sign a good deal with the United States of America,” Leavitt said.
Trump Claims Iran Requested Meeting
The diplomatic uncertainty intensified after Trump claimed that Tehran had requested a meeting following recent military tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz.
Posting on Truth Social, Trump wrote:
“Iran has requested a meeting. It will take place tomorrow in Doha!”
However, Iranian officials have disputed those remarks, insisting that no technical meetings have been scheduled for the current week.
Iran Says Conditions for Talks Are Not Yet in Place
Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs, Kazem Gharibabadi, also dismissed reports suggesting that technical working groups are currently meeting in Doha.
He said consultations with Qatar continue as part of routine diplomatic coordination but stressed that preparations for technical discussions remain incomplete.
According to Gharibabadi, the first round of technical negotiations will only begin once both parties agree on the timing, location and necessary conditions.
“The first round of technical talks will be held once conditions are in place and an agreement is reached regarding the date and venue,” he said.
Qatar Continues Role as Key Mediator
Qatar has emerged as an important intermediary in efforts to ease tensions between Tehran and Washington.
While both sides appear committed to maintaining communication channels, conflicting public statements indicate that significant gaps remain before formal negotiations on a final agreement can begin.
For now, Iran maintains that discussions remain focused on implementing the initial provisions of the Memorandum of Understanding, with comprehensive negotiations still some distance away.
