US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner arrived in Doha on Tuesday for discussions with Qatari mediators as diplomatic efforts to advance negotiations between Washington and Tehran continue.
Qatar’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that the two US officials are holding consultations with mediators but clarified that no direct meetings between American and Iranian representatives are currently scheduled.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari said the visit is focused on coordinating mediation efforts rather than conducting face-to-face negotiations with Iranian officials. He added that technical-level discussions between the United States and Iran remain ongoing through intermediaries despite the absence of formal high-level talks.
Al-Ansari also addressed the issue of frozen Iranian assets, saying that the release of $6 billion from approximately $12 billion in blocked funds will depend on mutual agreement between Washington and Tehran. He noted that no funds have yet been transferred and that the matter remains tied to progress in the broader negotiations.
The spokesperson emphasized that restoring safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz remains a regional priority. Qatar is working closely with Oman to facilitate secure maritime passage, remove potential hazards, and ensure uninterrupted shipping through one of the world’s most strategically important waterways.
He stressed that freedom of navigation is a fundamental right for Gulf nations and said recent communication channels established to reduce tensions between the United States and Iran had helped prevent further escalation in the region.
The diplomatic efforts follow a memorandum of understanding that took effect on June 18, providing a framework for discussions on ending hostilities, easing sanctions, addressing Iran’s nuclear program, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and promoting wider regional security.
According to US media reports, Witkoff and Kushner are expected to meet Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani and other mediators during their visit. Technical delegations from both the United States and Iran are also expected to participate separately in discussions mediated by Qatar and Pakistan.
President Donald Trump said earlier this week that Iran had requested a meeting in Doha and suggested the talks could prove significant. However, Iran’s Foreign Ministry rejected reports of any direct negotiations, reiterating that no meetings with US officials are planned and that Tehran’s immediate priority is implementing the existing memorandum of understanding.
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