U.S., Iran Offer Conflicting Accounts of Doha Talks
President Donald Trump said Monday that the United States and Iran would meet Tuesday in Doha, writing on Truth Social that Iran had requested the session. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said special envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff would travel to Qatar for high-level meetings and that technical discussions would continue alongside them.
Iranian officials offered a different account. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said no meetings with the United States were scheduled in the coming days, though Iranian officials would be in Doha to review implementation of the memorandum of understanding signed earlier this month. Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi also denied that technical talks had been arranged.
The disagreement follows renewed violence around the Strait of Hormuz, a central issue in the U.S.-Iran negotiations. The June 17 memorandum began a 60-day period intended to produce a final agreement to reopen the strait and end the war launched by the United States and Israel on Feb. 28. Both Washington and Tehran have accused the other side of violating the cease-fire.
Last week, Iranian fire struck commercial vessels near the strait, according to U.S. officials, prompting American strikes on Iranian drone, radar, missile, surveillance and mine-related facilities. Iran later targeted U.S. bases in Kuwait and Bahrain; authorities reported damage but no casualties. The incidents disrupted shipping and raised concerns about energy prices.
European and regional actors are also involved. French President Emmanuel Macron said France and Oman were working to de-escalate tensions and ensure passage through the strait, including demining efforts. Iran rejected outside demining, saying it would handle the task itself.
The strait’s future administration remains unresolved. Iran has sought a role in managing traffic, while the United States opposes Iranian control over the critical waterway for global commerce.