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🇳🇵 Nepal /Conflict & Security

Iran says it won’t meet with US envoys, clouding prospects for peace deal

From Kathmandu Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Ongoing story
  • Iran stated on Tuesday it would not meet with US envoys, diminishing hopes for a peace deal.
  • Disagreements persist over ceasefire terms and potential limits on Iran's nuclear program, with both sides far apart on key framework issues.
  • The US is reportedly considering military strikes but has opted to give diplomacy more time, while Iran asserts its sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran announced Tuesday it will not meet with US envoys, casting a shadow over prospects for a lasting peace deal between the two nations. This comes after US President Donald Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, and envoy Steve Witkoff arrived in Doha for high-level talks.

Iranian officials indicated that resolving the terms of a two-week-old ceasefire is a prerequisite to discussing more complex issues, including potential limitations on its nuclear program. The framework for peace reportedly includes Iran lifting its control over the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for financial incentives, followed by 60 days of negotiations for a permanent agreement.

No meeting at any level with the American side has been scheduled for the coming days.

— Esmaeil BaghaeiIranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson commenting on the scheduled meetings.

While Qatar stated that Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani would meet with the US delegation, Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei, confirmed no meetings at any level with the American side were scheduled. Technical talks were expected to proceed, according to Qatar's foreign ministry spokesperson, Majed al-Ansari.

The sovereignty of the Strait of Hormuz lies with Iran and Oman, and traffic in the Strait is subject to arrangements determined by Iran.

— Mohammed Baqer QalibafIran's top negotiator speaking on state TV about traffic management in the Strait of Hormuz.

The Wall Street Journal reported, citing US sources, that Trump is contemplating further strikes and has discussed options with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine. However, the report suggests Trump has decided to allow more time for diplomacy, despite public threats of further attacks.

Iran's top negotiator, Mohammed Baqer Qalibaf, stated on state TV that Iran and Oman, which borders the strategic waterway, have the right to manage traffic and would impose tolls when the 60-day period expires. This assertion was countered by US Vice President JD Vance, who stated on "The Michael Knowles Show" that Iran would be prevented from charging tolls. Vance also claimed that oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz have returned to pre-war levels, even exceeding them on some days.

This is not going to end in a place where the Iranians are collecting tolls on ships going through the Strait of Hormuz.

— JD VanceUS Vice President discussing Iran's potential to charge tolls in the Strait of Hormuz.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Kathmandu Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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