Trump Claims US-Iran Meeting in Qatar, Tehran Denies

President Donald Trump has announced that US and Iranian representatives will meet in Qatar on Tuesday local time. The meeting was reportedly requested by Tehran following a series of air strikes that tested a newly signed ceasefire agreement this month.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed to Fox News that special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, would travel to Doha this week. Their main agenda is to discuss the memorandum of understanding agreed upon by both parties. “As far as we are concerned, we remain committed to our part of the ceasefire. However, violence will be met with violence,” Leavitt stated.

Despite Trump’s announcement, Iran has not provided official public confirmation of the meeting. Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi stated via social media that no technical meeting is scheduled for this week. Gharibabadi instead highlighted a meeting between Iranian and Omani officials in the first joint Hormuz committee, aimed at exchanging views on the future management of the Strait of Hormuz, as stipulated in the memorandum of understanding.

The situation in the vital shipping lane remains heated. On Sunday, Iran claimed full control over the Strait of Hormuz, disregarding Trump’s threat to end the war if Tehran does not relent. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy even warned vessels that they are only permitted to transit through specific routes south of Iran’s Larak Island.

Tensions escalated following a weekend of military action. However, by Monday, neither side had reported new attacks. A US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that for the time being both parties would stand down and ships could move freely in the area.