Doha (Web Desk): Indirect diplomatic engagement between Iran and the United States has been taking place in Doha since Tuesday night, international media outlet Reuters, quoting a senior Iranian official, reported on Wednesday.
As per the report, the official explained that Iranian representatives have been meeting with officials from Qatar and Pakistan, who have subsequently conveyed messages and held discussions with the US side as part of the ongoing backchannel process.
He added that the exchanges carried on into Wednesday, with the main agenda centred on Iran’s frozen financial assets and matters concerning the Strait of Hormuz.
“Indirect negotiations began on Tuesday night. Iran held meetings with Qatari and Pakistani officials, who in turn met with the US side. The indirect talks continued on Wednesday, focusing on Iran’s frozen assets and the Strait of Hormuz,” the official said.
Earlier, Iran’s top negotiator and country’s parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated that Tehran will not participate in any new negotiations until the obligations set out in the existing memorandum of understanding (MoU) have been fully carried out.
Speaking to Iranian media, Ghalibaf said the current diplomatic efforts by Iranian officials are directed solely at ensuring that the commitments outlined in the agreement are implemented. He emphasized that Tehran will not agree to another round of talks until those promises are fulfilled.
Reaffirming Tehran's stance on the Strait of Hormuz, the parliament speaker said Iran would never surrender its rights over the strategically important waterway. He explained that under the MoU, ships are permitted to transit the Strait without paying fees for only a 60-day period.
Ghalibaf also said Iran remains in constant coordination with the Gulf's coastal nations and warned that if the United States attempts to block Iranian oil exports, no country in the region would be able to benefit from oil trade.