Tensions between the United States and Iran have indefinitely postponed direct meetings as intermediaries, led by Qatar, attempt to resolve key issues. This diplomatic effort aims to revive a fragile memorandum of understanding, threatened by the potential resurgence of conflict and the current difficulty in reaching a final agreement.
In a recent announcement, Qatar confirmed that U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, currently in Doha, will not hold high-level meetings with Iranian representatives. Instead, technical talks are planned for this week, potentially escalating to higher-level discussions. Qatar stated that the envoys' visit focuses on dialogue with intermediaries concerning various regional issues, including negotiations with Iran and Lebanon.
An Iranian technical delegation is set to visit Doha, with talks addressing nuclear, economic, and regional security matters. It was highlighted that Iran's frozen assets, totaling 6 billion dollars, have not been released yet. The release of these funds is tied to the progress of U.S.-Iran negotiations, which will determine the terms of the financial transfer. Concurrently, Iran is conducting talks with Qatari officials about the asset release.
Amid firm Iranian declarations of no negotiation meetings with the U.S. "at any level," Iranian negotiator Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf stated that current discussions aim to fulfill the memorandum's commitments. He emphasized that Iran will not engage in further negotiations until all terms are met, asserting Iran's unwavering stance on its rights in the Strait of Hormuz, with the memorandum allowing free passage for 60 days only. Qalibaf boasted about exporting over 40 million barrels of oil since the maritime blockade ended, selling at a 20% higher price than previously, but admitted zero oil exports during the U.S. blockade.
Meanwhile, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, after a phone call with Iranian President Massoud Bazshakiyan, reiterated the importance of free navigation in Hormuz for India and global trade, hoping continued efforts will lead to sustainable peace in the region.
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan discussed bilateral and regional developments with Chinese Vice President Han Zheng during an official visit to Beijing, emphasizing the importance of continued coordination on regional and international issues. Iran's Qalibaf plans to visit China as a special envoy soon.
Additionally, Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, during a press conference with GCC Secretary-General Jasem al-Budaiwi in Baghdad, expressed Iraq's opposition to attacks on Gulf states and conflict with Iran.
In other developments, Iran prepares for the funeral of the late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei with massive street displays and heightened security. A three-day public holiday in Tehran was declared, with additional services in Qom on July 7 and Khamenei's burial in his hometown, Mashhad, on July 9. Similar ceremonies will be held in Iraq on July 8.