Indirect US-Iran talks continue in Doha amid conflicting oil export reports

Indirect technical discussions between the United States and Iran are reportedly continuing in Doha, with Qatar and Pakistan facilitating. US envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner met Qatari officials on June 30 to lay groundwork, though they are not directly present at the technical talks. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi, participating on July 1, announced the formation of working groups to implement a memorandum of understanding and pursue a final peace agreement, noting that negotiations in this specific format have not yet commenced. However, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Bakayi reiterated on June 30 that Tehran would not engage in negotiations to end the conflict with the US and Israel until certain conditions, including US adherence to a memorandum and resolution of the Lebanon conflict, are met. Conflicting reports emerged regarding Iranian oil exports. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent claimed only China purchases Iranian oil due to fears of renewed penalties, suggesting this should encourage dialogue. Conversely, Tanker Trackers reported Iran exported 50 million barrels of crude in the past two weeks, averaging 1.66 million barrels daily in June, following the lifting of a naval blockade.

Sources: Радіо Свобода