Indirect US-Iran technical talks reportedly underway in Doha amid differing stances on high-level negotiations

Indirect technical discussions between the United States and Iran are reportedly underway in Doha, with Qatar and Pakistan acting as mediators, according to a Reuters source on July 1. While US envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are not directly participating, they met with Qatari officials on June 30 to prepare for these talks. However, Qatar's Foreign Ministry confirmed on the same day that no high-level US-Iran meetings are currently scheduled in the capital.

Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Bakayi reiterated on June 30 that Tehran would not engage in negotiations to end the ongoing conflict with the US and Israel until specific conditions, including US adherence to a memorandum of understanding and resolution of the Lebanon conflict, are met. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent noted that only China purchases Iranian oil despite lifted sanctions, citing fears of renewed penalties, suggesting this should encourage Iran towards dialogue. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian previously stated that the framework agreement with the US was developed in “full and constant coordination” with Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Sources: Радіо Свобода