US and Iran peace negotiators head to Doha, meeting uncertain

Despite both U.S. and Iranian negotiating teams being scheduled to arrive in Doha, Iran announced that no meetings at any level with the American side are planned for the immediate future. This statement underscores the delicate nature of the ongoing efforts to end a four-month conflict that has significantly impacted global oil supplies.

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We will not have any negotiation meetings at any level with the American side in the coming days.

President Donald Trump is reportedly sending his son-in-law Jared Kushner and envoy Steve Witkoff to lead the U.S. delegation. Concurrently, Iran's technical delegation is also traveling to Qatar this week. However, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei clarified that the Iranian team's visit "has no relation" to the Americans' presence and that no talks are scheduled.

The disagreement over potential meetings highlights the fragility of the June 17 accord, which paused a conflict that has disrupted oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz. This disruption has created political challenges for President Trump ahead of the November congressional elections. The U.S. and Iran agreed to a 60-day period to implement a memorandum of understanding, which included extending an April ceasefire, discussing Iran's nuclear programs, and negotiating a permanent truce. However, progress has been slow, with both sides accusing each other of violating the terms.

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has no relation

Following attacks by the U.S. and Israel on Iran on February 28, maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, which previously handled about a fifth of global oil trade, came to a near standstill. This closure sent oil prices above $100 a barrel, contributing to global inflation and increasing pressure on Trump. Israel has not joined the U.S.-Iran peace talks and has distanced itself from the agreement. While one senior Iranian official mentioned a meeting in Doha on Tuesday focused on managing the Strait of Hormuz and de-escalating tensions, another official familiar with the plans indicated that technical teams from both countries are expected to meet separately with Qatari and Pakistani mediators on Wednesday. The latest ceasefire agreement includes Iran's commitment to "make arrangements using its best efforts for the safe passage" of tankers and other commercial ships through the strait, though a brief surge in shipping traffic after the signing proved short-lived.

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make arrangements using its best efforts for the safe passage