Iran says 'no technical talks' with US this week in Doha

Deputy FM says first round of technical talks will be held once conditions are met

Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said on Monday that “no technical talks” with the US were scheduled this week in the Qatari capital Doha, refuting US media reports about talks to be held this Tuesday.

Gharibabadi said media reports about holding technical working-group talks between Tehran and Washington in Doha “are not confirmed,” state news agency IRNA reported. 

“Technical meetings of the working groups are not scheduled for this week,” he added.

Read: Iran says $6B of its funds in Qatar ‘should be released’ under US deal

Gharibabadi said consultations with Qatar were continuing, including efforts to follow up on the implementation of US commitments under the recently signed memorandum of understanding.

“Although consultations with Qatar – including on following up on the implementation of the other party’s commitments – are ongoing as usual, the news from some media outlets that technical talks by the working groups will be held in Doha cannot be confirmed,” Gharibabadi said in a statement on Telegram, as per Al Jazeera.

“The first round of technical talks within the framework of the designated working groups will be held when conditions are met, and after an agreement is reached on the date and location. Consultations in this regard are continuing through intermediary countries,” he added.

The Iranian official said consultations on the issue were continuing through mediator countries.