US-Iran Negotiations Continue Without High-Level Talks, Qatar Says
Negotiations between the United States and Iran are continuing despite the absence of high-level talks, according to Qatar's Foreign Affairs Ministry. In a statement carried by the Jerusalem Post, the ministry cited Qatari Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson Dr. Majed Mohammed Al-Ansari as confirming that US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner visited Doha as part of discussions with Qatar regarding Iran and Lebanon.
Al-Ansari emphasized that no high-level negotiations are taking place, but technical meetings have continued—a process Qatar says it is committed to. The remarks were made during a briefing in Doha on June 30, as reported by TASS.
Ceasefire and Memorandum of Understanding
According to Al-Ansari, a ceasefire is currently in effect and a memorandum of understanding has been signed between Iran and the United States. However, he cautioned that "in times of war, all guarantees ultimately depend on the situation on the ground." He described the most important guarantee as "achieving a peaceful settlement and ending this war," speaking in response to a question from TASS about whether Doha is discussing non-aggression guarantees for Persian Gulf countries as part of the negotiations.
Al-Ansari also noted that Qatar supports the negotiating track as a mediator, together with its partners in Pakistan, according to TASS.
Strait of Hormuz and Regional Stability
The Qatari spokesman said that Qatar has worked to contain the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, describing the vital waterway as an "international waterway" requiring unobstructed navigational freedom—a position based on Qatar's respect for international maritime law. He added that Qatar's stance on the strait is shared by other Gulf countries and the international community at large.
Al-Ansari highlighted that the Strait of Hormuz is one of several key topics of discussion, alongside the nuclear issue and other provisions of the memorandum of understanding.
Iran's Frozen Funds
Addressing questions about Iran's frozen assets, Al-Ansari clarified that the funds are not owned by Qatar. Rather, Qatar serves as a financial intermediary for the account, with the transfer to be determined through future negotiations.
Calls for End to Hostilities
Al-Ansari stressed that Qatar's ultimate goal remains an end to hostilities in the region, with a priority on safe commercial transit through the Strait of Hormuz. He also noted that Qatar had previously been attacked, which "crossed red lines," but the emirate's armed forces were able to repel those attacks. "Now is the time for negotiations and dialogue," he concluded, according to TASS.
Background: Trump's Remarks on Iran Request
Earlier, President Donald Trump said that Iran had requested a meeting with the United States, adding that consultations would be held on June 30 in Doha. According to the White House, Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner would participate.
Both the Jerusalem Post and TASS reported on Al-Ansari's statements, with each outlet framing the situation as ongoing diplomatic efforts despite the lack of high-level talks.