Qatar does not confirm possibility of high-level Iran-US meeting
Tehran - BORNA - Majed Al-Ansari, Qatar's Foreign Ministry spokesman, stated: "Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will be in Qatar to meet with mediators and discuss the progress of negotiations."
The spokesman emphasized: "No high-level meeting between the United States and Iran has been planned. We do not expect senior Iranian officials to come to Doha at this time. However, the recent escalation in the Strait of Hormuz has not halted technical negotiations."
No progress yet on release of Iran's frozen assets
Al-Ansari added: "These negotiations cover various issues, including the nuclear program and frozen assets. No progress has yet been made that would allow the release of Iran's frozen funds."
In this regard, Iran's senior negotiator Kazem Gharibabadi had earlier told reporters regarding working group negotiations under the memorandum of understanding: "Technical meetings of the working groups are not scheduled for this week."
Gharibabadi stated: "Although consultations with Qatar continue, including regarding the follow-up on the implementation of the other side's commitments, the news reported by some media outlets about technical working group talks in Doha is not confirmed."
Qatar's role as financial intermediary
Qatar's Foreign Ministry spokesman also said: "Qatar plays the role of financial intermediary in managing Iran's frozen assets according to the agreement. No agreement has yet been reached that would allow the transfer of Iran's frozen assets."
Coordination on maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz
The spokesman emphasized: "Qatar coordinates daily with the Sultanate of Oman and other regional countries to ensure maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz. Qatar's position rejecting any unilateral action that violates freedom of navigation in the Strait remains unchanged. The current priority is mine-clearing and ensuring safe passage of ships in the Strait of Hormuz."
He also noted that the frozen assets are designated, under the agreement between Washington and Tehran, for financing humanitarian purchases.
Al-Ansari added: "Mine-clearing in the Strait of Hormuz is a complex operation requiring significant technical capabilities."
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