Iran denies reports of upcoming meeting with U.S.

Iran's deputy foreign minister, Kazem Gharibabadi, has contradicted reports indicating that Iranian and U.S. representatives were scheduled to meet this week. The denial casts doubt on recent claims that working groups from both nations would convene to advance a framework agreement.

Earlier reports, citing an unnamed source familiar with the matter, suggested that U.S. and Iranian working groups would meet in the coming days. These discussions were reportedly aimed at resolving disagreements concerning the Strait of Hormuz. An unnamed U.S. official had also told Axios that a meeting was planned for Tuesday in Doha, Qatar, to address these issues and potentially cease mutual attacks.

However, Gharibabadi stated that while talks between Iran and Qatar regarding U.S. commitments are proceeding as planned, a meeting of working groups in Doha has not been confirmed. This follows an understanding reached in mid-June, which obligated both countries to negotiate a final peace agreement within 60 days. A key part of this Memorandum of Understanding was an agreement to halt mutual attacks.

Despite this understanding, both Iran and the U.S. have since accused each other of violating the terms. Recent weekend reports mentioned attacks on both U.S. and Iranian targets. President Donald Trump had previously threatened Iran with a resumption of war if certain actions occurred. Meanwhile, Iran announced it had held its first meeting with Oman regarding the administration of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to the open seas.

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If it happens, the Islamic Republic of Iran will no longer exist.