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US-Iran Tensions Rise as Tehran Rejects Claims of Imminent Doha Negotiations. (Image Internet)
Tehran: Iran on Tuesday dismissed claims that it is preparing for negotiations with the United States in the coming days, contradicting statements from US officials about possible talks in Doha, Qatar.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said there are currently no scheduled meetings between Iranian and American representatives at any level. He also rejected speculation that an Iranian delegation’s visit to Qatar was connected to discussions with Washington.
According to Baghaei, the Iranian delegation’s trip is focused on following up on the implementation of provisions under a recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), including Article 11.
Baghaei clarified that negotiations for a comprehensive final agreement between Iran and the US have not yet begun. He explained that the process depends on the implementation of several confidence-building measures mentioned in the 14-point MoU.
Under Article 13 of the agreement, formal discussions on a final deal can only begin after specific provisions, including Articles 1, 4, 5, 10 and 11, are initiated and continue to be implemented.
The provisions include steps designed to build trust between both sides. Article 11 specifically requires arrangements related to Iran’s restricted funds and assets, along with necessary authorisations to allow access through agreed procedures.
Despite Iran’s denial, the White House said US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and senior adviser Jared Kushner would travel to Doha for discussions with Iranian representatives.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the meeting followed a request from Tehran and that President Donald Trump wanted diplomatic efforts to continue. She urged Iran to reach an agreement with Washington as technical discussions continue following the signing of the MoU aimed at reducing tensions.
The disagreement comes after heightened tensions between the two countries following recent exchanges linked to incidents around the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump had earlier claimed that Iran requested a meeting with the US and announced that talks would take place in Doha. However, Tehran’s latest statement indicates that no formal negotiation schedule has been confirmed.
The conflicting claims highlight ongoing uncertainty over whether the two nations are moving toward renewed diplomacy or remain focused only on implementing preliminary commitments.
