Qatar says no direct U.S.-Iran talks are taking place in Doha and confirms the $6bn in frozen Iranian funds remains subject to a 2023 agreement.
Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that no direct high-level talks between the United States and Iran are currently taking place in Doha, despite recent conflicting public claims to the contrary.
The clarification follows remarks on Truth Social by U.S. President Donald Trump, indicating that American and Iranian representatives would meet in Doha, as well as a subsequent denial from Iran’s Foreign Ministry that such a meeting was scheduled.
During a weekly briefing on Tuesday, Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed Al Ansari stated that while Doha continues to facilitate diplomatic engagement, no direct negotiations between Washington and Tehran are taking place.
“There is no high-level meeting currently scheduled between the US and Iran,” Al Ansari confirmed.
Al Ansari said that U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner will instead be in Doha for meetings with Qatari mediators.
He emphasised that Qatar’s role remains focused on indirect communication and mediation between the parties, rather than hosting bilateral talks.
On the issue of Iranian assets, Al Ansari addressed reports concerning the potential release of $6 billion in frozen funds.
He confirmed that Qatar continues to act solely as a financial intermediary under a 2023 agreement between the United States and Iran, which established a humanitarian channel for the use of the funds.
“Qatar does not own these funds. It is only acting as the financial intermediary to manage these accounts within the framework of this agreement between the parties,” Al Ansari reaffirmed.
He added that any transfer of funds depends on mutual agreement between Washington and Tehran and progress in negotiations, which has not yet occurred.
Al Ansari also noted ongoing coordination between Qatar and Oman on maritime security, including efforts to ensure safe passage for vessels through strategic waterways near the Strait of Hormuz.
The Foreign Ministry spokesperson added that a direct communication channel established for deconfliction in the Strait of Hormuz has been used in recent days to help contain and manage tensions in the region.
