U.S. and Iran dispute planned Doha talks after recent strikes

President Donald Trump stated on Monday that U.S. negotiators would meet Iranian officials in Doha on Tuesday following several days of strikes between the two sides. Iran’s Foreign Ministry rejected the claim of any planned talks. Spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said Tehran would send an expert delegation to Doha solely to follow up on the release of frozen Iranian assets under the June memorandum of understanding.

Background on the memorandum The June 17 memorandum calls for an end to hostilities, including in Lebanon, and outlines steps toward releasing Iranian funds held in Qatar. Both governments have accused the other of violating the agreement since it was signed.

The latest round of strikes began Thursday when vessels using a U.S.-backed navigation route near Oman came under attack. The United States responded with strikes on Iranian islands; Iran then targeted U.S. facilities in Bahrain and Kuwait.

Iranian officials have sought assurances that the money can be used without additional restrictions. Qatar’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner arrived in Doha on Tuesday but stated they would not hold direct meetings with Iranian representatives.

The ministry added that the $6 billion in frozen assets has not yet been transferred. Iranian officials said their delegation’s priority is implementation of the existing memorandum rather than new negotiations. They cited concerns over the pace of asset releases and continued disputes regarding control of the Strait of Hormuz.