U.S., Iran Delegations Hold Indirect Talks in Doha to Discuss Frozen Assets and Strait of Hormuz

Working-level delegations from the United States and Iran are scheduled to hold indirect talks in Doha, Qatar, on July 1 (local time), AFP reported, citing diplomatic sources.

The source stated, "Based on the progress made at the summit at Lake Lucerne in Switzerland, U.S. and Iranian officials are set to hold indirect working-level talks in Doha with Qatari and Pakistani mediators."

The source added that Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of U.S. President Donald Trump, and U.S. Special Envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff, who met with Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani the previous day, would not be attending these working-level talks.

Reuters reported, citing a senior Iranian official, that the indirect negotiations began on the night of June 30.

The official explained, "The indirect negotiations began on Tuesday night. The process involves Iran meeting with Qatari and Pakistani officials, who then meet with the U.S. side."

The official further noted that the indirect talks, which continued on July 1, focused on Iran's frozen assets and the situation in the Strait of Hormuz.

Previously, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said during a press briefing on June 30, in response to a question about the contact between the two delegations in Doha, "We have no plans to hold talks of any level with the U.S. side in the coming days."

Spokesperson Baghaei added, "What is expected in Doha tomorrow is a discussion with the Qatari side regarding the implementation of several provisions of the memorandum of understanding, including those related to the release of Iran's frozen assets."

Majed bin Mohammed Al-Ansari, spokesperson for the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs, also stated, "No high-level talks between the U.S. and Iran will be held," adding that "high-level talks will only take place if the working-level consultations yield results."

He also added that Special Envoy Witkoff and Kushner, who are visiting Doha, are scheduled to meet with Qatari mediators.

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.