US-Iran talks face uncertainty as both sides differ over next negotiations

Uncertainty has surrounded the next round of talks between the United States and Iran after both countries exchanged conflicting statements over a planned meeting in Qatar and tensions rose following recent military incidents in the Persian Gulf.

Washington and Tehran on Monday announced that delegations would travel to Qatar this week. The US said Iran had requested the meeting, while Tehran denied that formal negotiations with Washington were scheduled and said future talks would depend on the implementation of a 14-point memorandum of understanding signed earlier.

The developments come after heightened tensions between the two nations, including exchanges of fire linked to sensitive maritime incidents in the Strait of Hormuz.

US says delegation heading to Doha

US President Donald Trump said Iran had requested a meeting with American officials and that talks were planned in Doha on Tuesday.

“Iran has requested a meeting. It will take place tomorrow in Doha!” Trump said in a post on Truth Social.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner were travelling to Qatar for the meeting.

Trump said the Doha discussions could prove important, though he added that the outcome remained uncertain.

Iran denies direct negotiations

Iran, however, rejected the US description of the talks. Foreign ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei confirmed that an Iranian delegation was travelling to Qatar but said the visit was not connected to any US delegation.

He said the trip was focused on following up on the implementation of the memorandum of understanding, including its provisions on future steps.

Baghaei said formal negotiations for a final agreement had not yet begun and would only start after specific parts of the agreement were implemented.

Iranian deputy foreign minister Kazem Gharibabadi also said the next round of talks would take place only when the necessary conditions were met and after agreement on the timing and location.