DOHA: US Officials Engage in Talks with Qatari Mediators
On Tuesday, US diplomats began meetings with Qatari mediators in Doha, following Washington’s announcement of their negotiating team.
Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are in Doha to discuss various regional issues with Qatari officials, according to foreign ministry spokesman Majed Al Ansari. Among the topics on the table is Iran, along with other matters, including the situation in Lebanon.
Ansari clarified that these discussions are not intended to focus directly on negotiations with Iran. Both the US and Iran indicated they would send representatives to Qatar to discuss a memorandum designed to help stabilize the region, following an escalation of conflict that began on February 28 with US-Israeli strikes against Iran.
However, Ansari noted that no high-level meetings or direct discussions between the US and Iran are scheduled in Doha. “To the best of my knowledge, there are no direct meetings planned in the near future,” he stated.
He explained that an Iranian technical delegation is monitoring the negotiations and traveling as needed, but there is currently no high-level team in place.
The ongoing technical talks, involving lower-ranking officials, are addressing various issues including nuclear matters, economic performance, and security concerns.
Qatar had initially refrained from mediating during heightened tensions, especially after Iran’s increased military actions toward Gulf states as retaliation for the earlier strikes. Nevertheless, the nation has recently taken a more active role in facilitating discussions, especially after a ceasefire was reached in April with mediation from Pakistan.
