Qatar Reaffirms Mediation Efforts Between U.S. , Iran

DOHA — Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani met Tuesday with U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to review the latest developments in ongoing talks between Washington and Tehran under a memorandum of understanding signed earlier this year.

According to the Qatar News Agency, the meeting also addressed regional issues, including the ceasefire in Lebanon, with emphasis on consolidating stability and safeguarding the country’s sovereignty. 

Sheikh Mohammed reiterated Qatar’s commitment to mediation and support for all dialogue tracks stemming from the memorandum, aiming for a comprehensive and sustainable solution that strengthens regional security and international peace.

The U.S. envoys expressed appreciation for Qatar’s role, alongside Pakistan, in facilitating negotiations, and underscored Washington’s commitment to continuing diplomatic efforts toward a final agreement.

President Donald Trump, speaking Tuesday, described the upcoming Doha meeting as potentially significant, though Tehran has denied plans for direct talks with American officials.

Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed Al-Ansari confirmed that while U.S. envoys are in Doha to meet mediators, no high-level meeting with Iran is scheduled. 

He added that $6 billion in frozen Iranian funds remain under a 2023 agreement, earmarked for humanitarian purchases, and noted that direct communication lines have been used in recent days to ease tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.

The memorandum of understanding, brokered in June by Qatar and Pakistan, set a 60-day framework for negotiations aimed at ending hostilities in the Middle East and reaching a lasting settlement.