WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump announced on Monday that Iran had requested a meeting, which he said is scheduled to take place in Doha on Tuesday, raising hopes for renewed diplomacy amid escalating tensions in the Gulf region.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote that Iran had asked for talks and confirmed that the meeting would be held in Qatar’s capital. However, he did not provide details about the agenda or the officials expected to attend.
Trump’s announcement came as Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi denied reports that technical working group meetings under the recently signed memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Iran and the United States were scheduled for this week. He said consultations with Qatar were continuing but stressed that no date or venue for technical talks had been finalized.
Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian called for the release of $6 billion in Iranian funds currently held in Qatar under a previous agreement with the United States. He said Iranian authorities were pursuing the return of the remaining frozen assets as part of ongoing diplomatic efforts.
The latest developments follow days of heightened military tensions in the Strait of Hormuz after attacks on commercial vessels prompted exchanges between US and Iranian forces. Despite the security concerns, some oil tankers and cargo ships have resumed limited transit through the strategic waterway, although maritime traffic remains below normal levels.
US officials have indicated that both sides recently agreed to halt further military action and resume dialogue under the framework of the interim 14-point memorandum aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz and reducing regional tensions. Reports suggest technical discussions may continue through mediators once both parties agree on the timing and location.
Regional diplomacy has also intensified, with France and Saudi Arabia calling for de-escalation and freedom of navigation during a high-level phone conversation. Iran and Oman have also held discussions on the future management of the Strait of Hormuz under the interim agreement.
While uncertainty remains over the implementation of the accord, Trump's announcement of a possible meeting in Doha has renewed expectations that diplomacy could help prevent further conflict and restore stability in one of the world's most critical energy corridors.
