Iran says "no plans" to meet US in "next few days" at any level
Tehran, June 30
Iran on Tuesday said that the Islamic Republic has "no plans" to hold any meetings with the United States in the coming days at any level, even as diplomatic engagements continue separately in Doha on the related implementation of the 14-point memorandum of understanding aimed at ending the hostilities in West Asia.
Speaking at a press briefing, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei, as quoted by Iranian state media Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), said Tehran is not scheduled to meet US officials in the immediate future.
"Basically, we have no plans to meet with the American side at any level in the next few days," the spokesperson said.
He clarified that discussions scheduled in Doha are not political negotiations with Washington, but rather technical-level talks linked to the implementation of previously agreed understandings, including issues related to frozen Iranian assets.
"What will be done in Doha tomorrow is a discussion on the implementation of clauses of the memorandum of understanding, including the release of Iran's frozen assets, which is with the Qatari side," he said.
Baghaei further emphasised that Iran would continue to honour its commitments only if the other parties do the same.
"We will implement our commitments as long as the other side implements its commitments," he said.
He added that the memorandum of understanding clearly defines the obligations of all parties involved and reiterated Iran's position that the United States has responsibilities under the agreement framework.
Earlier today, Qatar's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed Mohammed Al-Ansari said the discussions in Doha are part of broader mediation efforts and involve multiple regional concerns, including Iran-related talks.
He clarified that US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Senior Adviser to US President Donald Trump Jared Kushner are currently in Doha to meet mediators and Qatari officials and are not engaged in direct negotiations with Iranian representatives for diplomatic discussions involving regional issues following the recent exchange of fire between the two sides over incidents in the Strait of Hormuz.
"The US envoys Mr Steve Witkoff and Mr Jared Kushner are here in Doha to meet with the mediators and Qatari officials, and the talks will be around all regional issues which are of concern, including negotiations with Iran," Al-Ansari said, stressing that "they are not here for direct negotiations with the Iranians."
He further clarified that the ongoing process involves technical-level engagement rather than high-level political negotiations after the conclusion of the initial round of talks as part of the 14-point MoU, with both sides agreeing to establish a High-Level Committee and a roadmap towards a final agreement within 60 days in Switzerland earlier this month.
"The technical teams are the ones coming in and out of Doha and other locations for this. So this reference is probably to the technical team that is involved in the talks with the mediators in pushing a lot of these technical issues forward," he said.
"It's not a high-level delegation as I stated earlier; it's the technical side of the negotiations," Al-Ansari added, noting that the teams move between Doha and other locations depending on the progress of discussions.
On the issue of Iranian assets, the Qatari official noted that the USD 6 billion in frozen Iranian funds has not yet been transferred to Tehran, adding that any such movement would depend on the progress of negotiations.
He said the release of funds would proceed "according to the advancement of negotiations", underscoring that financial arrangements remain linked to ongoing diplomatic developments.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Six billion dollars in frozen assets is no small change. Iran is smart to keep the technical teams talking while politically distancing. America needs a win in West Asia, but Iran knows how to play the long game. Reminds me of how we handle negotiations with Pakistan – show strength but keep the backchannel open. 😏
Everyone is playing musical chairs in Doha! Iran says no meetings, Qatar says they're talking technically, US envoys are there "not negotiating" – what a circus. But seriously, the 14-point MoU and 60-day timeline sounds promising. As an Indian, I just hope stability returns to the Gulf – our 9 million diaspora there need peace.
The $6 billion figure is key here – Iran's economy is under severe sanctions pressure, and they desperately need that money. But by publicly refusing high-level talks, they save face domestically. Smart move. The technical teams can work quietly while the rhetoric stays tough. West Asia diplomacy is always a game of mirrors.
Having both Witkoff and Kushner in Doha is interesting – the Trump administration is sending heavy hitters. But Iran's position is clear: first release our money, then we talk. India should take notes on how to deal with the US – never appear desperate, always negotiate from strength. Our S-400 deal with Russia taught us that.
I wish someone would explain what's actually in this 14-point MoU! All this "technical talks" and "high-level committees" without transparency makes ordinary citizens suspicious. Iran and the US have been at this
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