Senior US officials, including President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner and special envoy Steve Witkoff, arrived in Doha for high-level discussions
TEHRAN: (UrduPoint/Pakistan Point News-July 1st, 2026) Iran has ruled out holding direct talks with senior US officials who recently travelled to the region, signalling that major differences remain between the two countries despite ongoing diplomatic efforts to secure a lasting peace agreement.
senior US officials, including President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner and special envoy Steve Witkoff, arrived in Doha for high-level discussions. However, Iranian and Qatari officials said the US delegation would meet with mediators rather than Iranian representatives.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said no meeting with the American side had been scheduled in the coming days.
Officials said the two sides must first resolve issues relating to the ceasefire agreed two weeks ago before moving on to more complex matters, including Iran's nuclear programme.
International media reports said the preliminary framework envisages a 60-day negotiation period aimed at reaching a permanent settlement, alongside financial incentives linked to easing tensions over the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf reiterated that sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz rests with Iran and Oman, adding that maritime traffic through the strategic waterway would remain subject to arrangements agreed by the two countries.
Meanwhile, US Vice President JD Vance said Iran would not be permitted to impose transit charges on vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz. He also claimed that oil shipments through the waterway had returned to pre-conflict levels.
International media reports further said President Trump has continued to assess both diplomatic and military options. While media reports suggested he had discussed the possibility of further military action with senior defence officials, the US administration is currently giving diplomacy additional time.
Shipping activity through the Strait of Hormuz has gradually resumed after disruptions caused by the recent conflict, although uncertainty over the region's security continues to influence global energy markets.
The interim understanding between Washington and Tehran also includes efforts to ease tensions involving Hezbollah in Lebanon. However, Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri has expressed reservations about a separate US-backed proposal intended to end hostilities between Lebanon and Israel.
Analysts believe significant differences remain on several core issues, suggesting that a comprehensive agreement between Iran and the United States may still require prolonged negotiations.
