US President Donald Trump said that the US delegation is already preparing to fly to Doha to take part in Tuesday’s talks with Iran focused on the technical details of a memorandum of understanding. At the White House, officials said the meeting could prove “important,” though its exact agenda has not yet been disclosed. Administration spokesperson Caroline Leavitt added that special envoys Stephen Witkoff and Jared Kushner will travel to Qatar this week for senior-level consultations.
According to Politico sources, Witkoff has already informed lawmakers that the technical group for nuclear talks will be headed to Qatar. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Witkoff themselves told legislators that the ultimate goal is to reach an agreement that would prevent Iran from retaining stockpiles of highly enriched uranium. The Washington Post adds that US and Iranian specialists have already been discussing the details, with some experts working remotely while others will be in Doha in person.
Despite Washington’s optimism, Tehran categorically denies that any negotiating rounds with Americans will take place in the coming days. An official from Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the Iranian delegation is going to Doha solely to monitor the implementation of the memorandum’s provisions—above all, the lifting of oil sanctions and the unfreezing of frozen assets. The sides are also disputing the fragility of the ceasefire extension agreement reached on June 17.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian confirmed that all prior contacts with the United States were carried out in full coordination with the supreme leader and within approved mechanisms. “We will not back down from our rights, interests, and national principles under any circumstances,” he said, criticizing attempts to discredit the negotiating team. For his part, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in a written statement, endorsed the understandings reached after Pezeshkian assured him that there would be no concessions.
At the same time, Iranian officials stepped up their rhetoric regarding the Strait of Hormuz, threatening to create obstacles for ships that sail outside established routes. Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Garibabadi told state television that Iran has notified Oman of the need to change shipping patterns and that the situation “will not return to pre-war conditions.” Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi emphasized that Iran has exclusive responsibility for managing the strait.
On the international stage, calls for pragmatism are being heard. Germany’s Foreign Ministry said a practical approach is needed to ensure the security of passage through the Strait of Hormuz and to address issues related to Iran’s nuclear program. Berlin called the Tehran-Washington agreement to halt attacks and continue dialogue an important step that offers a chance for “diplomacy in a fragile situation.” Meanwhile, French President Macron said that Paris, together with Oman, is working on clearing mines from the water area.
In the US Congress, Iran’s promises are being met with caution. Democratic Congressman Adam Smith, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, told CNN that the Trump administration looks “very optimistic” about Iran agreeing to open the strait, but he acknowledged that there is not yet convincing evidence to support that. Thus, despite diplomatic movement, significant uncertainty remains—both regarding the nuclear file and the security of the key maritime corridor.
Comments on the news
- Who is Masoud Pezeshkian and what role does he play in Iran’s political system, where real power belongs to the supreme leader? — Masoud Pezeshkian is an Iranian reformist politician, a former Minister of Health (2001–2005), and a member of parliament. In Iran’s system, the president heads the executive branch, but his powers are limited: the supreme leader (rahbar) controls the armed forces, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the judiciary, state media, and key foreign-policy decisions. As president, Pezeshkian can influence economic and social policy, but not the nuclear program or security.
- What are the supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s constitutional powers regarding the nuclear program and foreign policy? — Under Article 110 of Iran’s Constitution, the supreme leader sets the overall policy of the state, including the nuclear program, and is the commander-in-chief of the armed forces. He appoints members of the Expediency Council and half of the members of the Guardian Council, which oversees elections and legislation. All decisions regarding nuclear negotiations and foreign-policy alliances require the supreme leader’s approval, while the president and the Foreign Ministry act within his directives.
- Why is the Strait of Hormuz considered strategically important for the global economy, and what methods could Iran use to disrupt shipping? — Around 20–25% of the world’s oil consumption passes through the Strait of Hormuz (approximately 20 million barrels per day). Iran could disrupt the strait by: (1) mining the waters, (2) using high-speed boats and coastal missile systems, (3) seizing tankers (as in 2019), (4) deploying submarines. Even partial disruption of shipping would drive up energy prices and trigger a global economic crisis.
- What role has Oman historically played as a mediator between Iran and the US, and why did Tehran choose this country to be notified about changes to routes? — Since the 1970s, Oman has maintained neutrality in regional conflicts, supporting diplomatic channels both with Iran and with the United States. In 2013, it acted as a mediator during the first secret talks that led to the nuclear deal (JCPOA). Tehran chose Oman due to: (1) the Sultanate’s trustworthiness as an honest broker, (2) geographical proximity (Oman controls the southern shore of the Strait of Hormuz), and (3) a long-standing arrangement for informal intelligence and signal-sharing between the two countries.
Full version: US and Iran delegations to Doha as Tehran threatens to block alternative routes in the Strait of Hormuz