jared kushner, steve witkoff,While Steve Witkoff (right) is US President Donald Trump’s special Mideast envoy, Jared Kushner (left) is Trump’s son-in-law. (AP file photo)

Two US envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, arrived in Qatar on Tuesday for talks with mediators on implementing an initial deal aimed at ending the Iran conflict, a Qatari official said. The visit follows recent tensions in the Persian Gulf over efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to shipping. Qatar’s Foreign Ministry said the envoys will not hold direct talks with Iranian officials in Doha.

Meanwhile, the United States and Iran put out completely opposite messages on Tuesday about whether they were planning to meet for talks in Qatar. US President Donald Trump said Iran had asked for a meeting and that it would happen in Doha. But Iranian officials said no such meeting was planned and that the two countries would not be sitting down together at all.

Story continues below this ad

However, Iran’s Foreign Ministry said it will send a delegation to Doha to follow up on the release of frozen funds, Al Jazeera reported.

Trump said the discussions would focus on Iran’s nuclear programme, declaring on Truth Social: “IRAN HAS REQUESTED A MEETING. IT WILL TAKE PLACE TOMORROW IN DOHA!” He did not identify the participants but the United States planned to send presidential envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to lead its delegation.

Story continues below this ad

US Iran War (Photo: @realDonaldTrump)

Latest developments

  • Ceasefire under strain: US and Iran agreed to a temporary ceasefire Monday after Trump threatened escalation. Weekend missile and drone strikes had disrupted Strait of Hormuz trade for days.
  • Hormuz traffic rising: Ship movement through the Strait has picked up in the last 36 hours. More vessels are hugging the Omani coast, which could reduce Iran’s leverage over the route.
  • Demining dispute: Iran rejected France’s plan to clear mines from the Strait. Tehran’s deputy foreign minister warned Paris against provocation and said Iran alone would handle demining.
  • MOU talks continue: US and Iranian delegations will keep discussing the interim memorandum of understanding this week. Technical teams will also meet with Qatari and Pakistani mediators.
  • Lebanon fighting ongoing: Clashes between Hezbollah and Israel continued over the weekend despite a ceasefire. Iran demands a full Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon for any final US deal.

Follow The Indian Express Global Desk’s live coverage for the latest updates from West Asia, the diplomatic corridors of Europe, and the evolving legal battles in Washington.

Live Updates

Stay updated with the latest – Click here to follow us on Instagram

© IE Online Media Services Pvt Ltd