Arabic version: المبعوثون الأمريكيون يبدأون مناقشات وقف إطلاق النار مع إيران في الدوحة
US envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff have arrived in Doha for discussions focused on the Iran-US ceasefire. However, Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that no meetings with Iranian officials are scheduled during their visit. Instead, the US representatives will engage with mediators in the Qatari capital regarding the ceasefire’s implementation.
According to Al Jazeera, Iran is sending a technical delegation to address the existing memorandum of understanding (MOU), which includes issues related to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and the release of $6 billion in frozen assets. The Iranian delegation has expressed significant objections and concerns about the MOU’s implementation pace, particularly regarding the ceasefire in south Lebanon.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Esmaeil Baghaei, emphasized that the US must adhere to its commitments under the MOU, indicating that this is critical for any progress. He also pointed out that the US is expected to ensure that the Israeli regime fulfills its obligations.
Further complicating the discussions, Article 5 of the MOU, which pertains to the organization of traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, is a point of contention. Iran believes it has the authority to manage traffic during the negotiation period, while the US holds a differing interpretation.
Qatar’s Foreign Ministry has noted that a dedicated hotline played a role in de-escalating tensions between the US and Iran in the Strait of Hormuz last week. Additionally, Doha is coordinating with Oman to facilitate safe navigation through the crucial waterway, which is vital for international shipping. The transfer of the $6 billion in frozen Iranian assets has not yet occurred, adding another layer of complexity to the ongoing negotiations.
