Officials representing the United States and Iran are expected to hold indirect technical discussions on Wednesday in Doha as efforts continue to implement the agreement designed to end the recent Middle East conflict, according to a diplomat familiar with the negotiations.
The diplomat disclosed that the meeting will be conducted through mediators from Qatar and Pakistan rather than through direct engagement between the two sides.
“US and Iranian officials are to hold indirect technical talks on Wednesday in Doha with Qatari and Pakistani mediators on the memorandum of understanding building on the progress made at the Lake Lucerne Summit,” the diplomat said.
The source further revealed that senior US envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff would not participate in the technical-level discussions.
Instead, both officials met on Tuesday with Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, to discuss developments surrounding the agreement.
Both Washington and Tehran had earlier confirmed plans to send representatives to Qatar for discussions aimed at moving the peace process forward.
The memorandum of understanding, facilitated by Qatar and Pakistan, established a 60-day ceasefire following the conflict that erupted after US-Israeli airstrikes on February 28.
The agreement also provides for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, which had been affected during the conflict, and outlines a roadmap toward a comprehensive peace deal, including negotiations over Iran’s nuclear programme.
Although Iranian officials travelled to Doha for the meeting, Tehran rejected claims made earlier by US President Donald Trump that direct negotiations between both countries would take place.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Esmaeil Baqaei, confirmed that the Iranian delegation would be headed by Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi.
However, he insisted the delegation had no intention of engaging directly with American officials during the visit.
“Iranian officials have no plans for negotiations with the American side at any level over the coming days,” Baqaei said.
Meanwhile, Kushner and Witkoff held discussions with the Qatari prime minister on Tuesday, according to a statement released by Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The ministry said the meeting focused on ongoing diplomatic efforts connected to the memorandum of understanding signed by both sides.
“The ongoing talks between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran within the framework of the memorandum of understanding,” the ministry said in its statement.
In addition to the Iran-related discussions, the officials also exchanged views on the evolving political and security situation in Lebanon.
The latest round of indirect engagement reflects continued diplomatic efforts by regional mediators to consolidate the ceasefire, prevent renewed hostilities and create conditions for a broader agreement addressing long-standing issues between Washington and Tehran.
