politics
Iran Rejects Direct Talks in Doha as U.S. Officials Discuss Options
Iranian officials confirmed Wednesday there are no plans for direct meetings in Doha. U.S. Vice President JD Vance said the United States has options if Iran rebuilds its nuclear program or threatens neighbors.
ZE
middleeasteye.netAudio version
Tap play to generate a narrated version.
Developing·Limited corroboration so far. This page will refresh as more sources emerge.
Iranian officials stated Wednesday that no direct talks have taken place in Doha and none are planned. U.S. representatives have continued indirect discussions through third-country intermediaries. Vice President JD Vance addressed troops at a naval air base in Virginia.
He said American strikes have set back Iran's nuclear program by decades and that the United States has options if Iran attempts to rebuild it.
Trump described the indirect talks as very good.
He has been briefed on military options, including broader strikes, but has not made a final decision. The Wall Street Journal reported that Trump wants to allow negotiations to continue past an August 18 deadline. Central issues include the release of $6 billion in frozen Iranian assets and fees for passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
Vance said the United States has maintained free commercial transit through the Strait of Hormuz for the past three days. He noted that past U.S. strikes responded to attacks on ships and that similar actions remain possible. Iran's foreign minister stated that any breach of the memorandum of understanding would receive an immediate response.
Iranian officials have denied pursuing nuclear weapons.
