Qatar Says US-Iran Technical Talks Continue, No High-Level Meetings

The visit of US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Doha is part of ongoing consultations with mediators to discuss key regional issues, including US-Iran negotiations and the situation in Lebanon, Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Tuesday.

Speaking during the ministry's weekly press briefing, Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari said the meetings are part of broader diplomatic consultations involving mediators. He also clarified that no high-level meetings between the United States and Iran are currently taking place under the agreed negotiation framework.

Technical-Level US-Iran Talks Continue

Al Ansari said technical discussions between Iranian and American delegations have continued since earlier talks held in Lausanne. These discussions are taking place through both direct and indirect channels.

He explained that Qatar remains committed to the agreed diplomatic mechanism, under which technical-level talks continue between rounds of high-level negotiations. The process is being supported by mediators in Doha and other locations to maintain communication between both sides.

According to Al Ansari, the delegations remain engaged, with discussions continuing in different formats to ensure the dialogue process moves forward.

Strait of Hormuz Remains Part of Regional Discussions

Addressing recent developments in the Strait of Hormuz, Al Ansari said Qatar has worked to help prevent further escalation while continuing to support ongoing technical negotiations.

He reaffirmed Qatar's position that freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz must be fully respected, describing it as an international waterway. He added that rising tensions only increase differences between the parties, while maritime security, nuclear issues and wider regional stability continue to be discussed during negotiations.

Qatar Explains Role in Frozen Iranian Funds

Commenting on frozen Iranian assets, Al Ansari said the funds are linked to the 2023 US-Iran agreement that created a humanitarian financial channel managed through Qatar.

He clarified that Qatar acts only as a financial intermediary and does not own the funds. Any release of the assets depends on mutual agreement between the United States and Iran and progress achieved during negotiations.

Qatar Continues Regional Coordination

Al Ansari said Qatar remains in close coordination with regional partners, including Oman, to help ensure safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and support efforts to reduce tensions.

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He added that communication channels remain open as regional countries discuss broader frameworks for dialogue based on sovereignty, non-interference and good neighbourly relations.

Qatar Calls Dialogue the Only Solution

Reaffirming Qatar's diplomatic position, Al Ansari said lasting solutions to regional disputes can only be achieved through dialogue and negotiations. He noted that ongoing conflicts have already affected maritime security and regional stability.

He said restoring stability requires addressing the security concerns of all parties through continued diplomatic engagement. Despite previous attacks on its own sovereignty, Qatar remains committed to mediation and keeping communication channels open.

Concluding the briefing, Al Ansari said current diplomatic efforts include a ceasefire framework, a memorandum of understanding and ongoing negotiations. He stressed that the strongest guarantee for lasting peace is reaching a sustainable political settlement through continued dialogue.