Tehran: The Iranian government announced on Tuesday its refusal to engage in discussions with U.S. representatives who have recently traveled to the Middle East, following the latest series of clashes between the two nations. This decision casts doubt on the prospects for a lasting peace agreement between Iran and the United States.
According to Thai News Agency, a senior Iranian official stated that before any discussions on complex issues, such as the limitation of Iran's nuclear program, both nations must finalize and agree on the terms of a ceasefire agreement that was signed two weeks ago. The Iranian Foreign Ministry's spokesperson confirmed that no meetings with U.S. representatives are planned in the near future.
The situation highlights the significant differences in opinion between the two countries concerning the ceasefire agreement. The agreement requires Iran to lift its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz in return for financial benefits and incentives, with a 60-day timeline set for further negotiations to establish a permanent peace deal.
On the U.S. side, Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump's son-in-law, and Special Envoy Steve Whitkoff have arrived in Doha, Qatar, for high-level negotiations. Despite the visit, the White House clarified that the U.S. delegation will only engage with mediators and will not meet directly with Iranian officials. Both the Iranian and Qatari governments, as co-hosts, have confirmed this arrangement.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that both Iran and the United States are still expected to initiate further negotiations on essential technical issues at the official level.