US-Iran indirect talks continue in Doha amid conflicting reports on oil exports

Indirect technical discussions between the United States and Iran are reportedly continuing in Doha, facilitated by Qatar and Pakistan. US envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner met Qatari officials on June 30 to prepare, though they are not directly present at the technical talks. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi announced on July 1 the formation of working groups for a memorandum of understanding and a final peace agreement, though formal negotiations have not begun. This contrasts with a previous statement from an Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson that Tehran would not negotiate until specific conditions are met. Conflicting reports emerged on Iranian oil exports: US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent claimed only China buys Iranian oil due to sanction fears, while Tanker Trackers reported Iran exported 50 million barrels in the past two weeks, averaging 1.66 million barrels daily in June, after a naval blockade was lifted. Monitoring firm Kpler also noted continued vessel movement through the Strait of Hormuz despite security tensions.

Sources: Радіо Свобода