Washington, DC, June 29: US President Donald Trump on Monday claimed that Iran had sought a meeting with the United States following recent military tensions over the Strait of Hormuz, announcing that discussions between the two countries would take place in Doha, Qatar, on Tuesday. However, Iranian officials have denied that any technical meetings are scheduled this week.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated, "IRAN HAS REQUESTED A MEETING. IT WILL TAKE PLACE TOMORROW IN DOHA!"
According to Axios, the proposed meeting in Qatar is aimed at addressing the dispute over the Strait of Hormuz, where both sides have recently exchanged strikes amid heightened tensions over control of maritime traffic through the strategic waterway.
"We decided to stop all the kinetic activity," a senior US official told Axios, referring to the suspension of military strikes and other offensive operations. Another US official said both sides had agreed to stand down "for now," adding that commercial vessels would be able to move freely while technical discussions continue. A third source familiar with the matter also confirmed that a meeting is planned for Tuesday.
Despite these claims, Iranian officials rejected reports suggesting that technical negotiations are about to begin. Iran's state broadcaster, IRIB, quoted Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs Kazem Gharibabadi as saying that no technical working group meetings have been scheduled this week under the 14-point Memorandum of Understanding designed to de-escalate the conflict in West Asia.
"No technical working group meetings are scheduled for this week," Gharibabadi said in response to media reports.
He noted that consultations with Qatar remain ongoing, particularly regarding the implementation of commitments by the other side, but stressed that reports claiming technical working group discussions are currently taking place in Doha could not be verified.
"Although consultations with Qatar, including regarding the follow-up on the implementation of the other party's commitments, are continuing as usual, some media reports that technical working group discussions are being held in Doha cannot be confirmed," he said.
Qatar continues to play a central mediating role in facilitating communication between Tehran and Washington.
Gharibabadi added that the first round of technical talks would only be held once both sides agree on the necessary conditions, including the date and venue.
"The first round of technical talks will be held within the framework of the designated working groups, once conditions are in place and after an agreement is reached on the date and location. Consultations in this regard are continuing through intermediary countries," he said.
The contrasting statements from Washington and Tehran highlight the differing public narratives surrounding the status of negotiations, even as diplomatic consultations continue through Qatari mediation.
