Qatar says no high-level Iran-US talks planned in Doha

DOHA, Qatar — Qatar's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed al-Ansari said no high-level meeting between Iran and the United States is scheduled to take place in Doha. He noted that US special envoy Steve Witkoff is in the Qatari capital to meet with mediators and follow the course of negotiations, adding that no direct contact between Washington and Tehran is currently foreseen. Ansari also addressed the status of $6 billion in frozen Iranian funds expected to be transferred to Tehran, stating that the funds have not yet been released and that the decision depends on the progress of talks between Washington and Tehran. On the Strait of Hormuz, Ansari described restoring navigation and ensuring maritime security as priority issues. He said Qatar is working in coordination with Oman to secure shipping lanes in the strait and clear mines. Ansari added that Gulf states retain the right to freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and that any closure of the waterway or threat to maritime security would be unacceptable.