American and Iranian envoys are holding indirect technical talks in Doha on Wednesday, as part of the implementation of the memorandum of understanding with Iran to end the conflict in the Middle East, according to a diplomat familiar with the negotiations.
The diplomat stated that "American and Iranian officials are engaging in indirect technical discussions on Wednesday in Doha through Qatari and Pakistani intermediaries, based on progress from the Lake Lucerne Summit" in Switzerland, as reported by AFP.
Reuters cited a knowledgeable source indicating that indirect technical talks between the U.S. and Iran are ongoing in Doha, mediated by Qatar and Pakistan, with senior negotiators and specialized teams participating. The American delegation met with the Qatari Prime Minister yesterday to lay the groundwork for today's technical discussions without attending the sessions.
While the indirect talks continue in the Qatari capital Doha between the United States and Iran today, Wednesday, other options remain on U.S. President Donald Trump's table. In this regard, the Wall Street Journal reported that the U.S. President reviewed options for resuming a broad war against Iran but preferred to continue the diplomatic course for now.
The American newspaper added that Trump informed his aides he was not opposed to extending the deadline beyond August 18 for reaching a nuclear agreement, suggesting that broad attacks could disrupt negotiations and weaken the chances of reaching a deal, with the military option still on the table if talks fail.
In the negotiation process in Doha, Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed Al-Ansari confirmed that there is no high-level meeting scheduled between the United States and Iran, pointing out that the visit of U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Doha is part of their engagement with Qatar's intermediaries to discuss various regional files, including the negotiations with Iran and Lebanon.
Qatar's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani assured U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner that Qatar continues its mediation efforts and supports all negotiation tracks stemming from the memorandum of understanding between the U.S. and Iran.
The Qatari Foreign Ministry stated that Witkoff and Kushner reaffirmed the United States' commitment to continuing the negotiation process and supporting diplomatic efforts aimed at reaching a comprehensive agreement.
Meanwhile, Iran suggested that discussions on the release of its frozen assets will take place in Qatar under the memorandum with the United States, asserting it does not intend to meet the U.S. delegation that arrived in Doha.
Iranian chief negotiator Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf stated that Tehran will not enter further negotiations until the conditions of the memorandum are met.