Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi stated on Monday that no technical talks with the United States are scheduled for this week in Doha, Qatar, contradicting reports from US media outlets. The announcement was made via Iran's state news agency IRNA, which quoted Gharibabadi as saying that media reports about technical working-group talks between Tehran and Washington in Doha "are not confirmed."
Iran Refutes US Media Reports
Gharibabadi explicitly stated that "technical meetings of the working groups are not scheduled for this week." He emphasized that while consultations with Qatar are ongoing, including efforts to follow up on the implementation of US commitments under a recently signed memorandum of understanding, the reports of technical talks in Doha are inaccurate. In a statement on Telegram, as reported by Al Jazeera, Gharibabadi said, "Although consultations with Qatar – including on following up on the implementation of the other party’s commitments – are ongoing as usual, the news from some media outlets that technical talks by the working groups will be held in Doha cannot be confirmed."
Conditions for Future Talks
The Iranian official clarified the conditions for any future technical discussions. He noted that "the first round of technical talks within the framework of the designated working groups will be held when conditions are met, and after an agreement is reached on the date and location." Gharibabadi added that consultations on this matter are continuing through intermediary countries, indicating that diplomatic channels remain active despite the lack of immediate talks.
This development comes amid ongoing tensions between Iran and the US over various issues, including the implementation of previous agreements. Iran has previously stated that $6 billion of its funds in Qatar should be released under a US deal, highlighting the financial dimensions of the diplomatic engagement. The refutation of scheduled talks underscores the cautious approach both sides are taking in their interactions, with Iran insisting on clear conditions before proceeding with technical negotiations.
