Iran has stated that peace talks are not scheduled, directly contradicting claims made by former President Donald Trump that the country had requested a meeting.
Trump announced on his Truth Social platform that "Iran has requested a meeting. It will take place tomorrow in DOHA!" However, shortly before his statement, Iran's deputy foreign minister indicated that no technical working group meetings were planned for the week.
The conflicting statements emerge after a weekend marked by exchanges of rocket fire and violence between the United States and Iran, raising concerns about the stability of nuclear negotiations. The U.S. plans to send Special Envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to lead the talks, according to White House Press Secretary Karine Leavitt.
The recent escalation began when Iran launched suicide drones at U.S.-backed cargo ships in the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. military responded by targeting Iranian missile and drone storage facilities and radar sites along the Persian Gulf. Leavitt stated, "Violence will be met with violence... there were attacks on commercial vessels that the United States of America, directed by the President, responded to."
Global oil prices saw a slight increase amid the regional uncertainty, with Brent crude trading around $72 a barrel and U.S. West Texas Intermediate advancing to near $70 a barrel.
Negotiations in approaching talks are expected to focus on Iran's nuclear ambitions. U.S. diplomats are reportedly seeking Iran's abandonment of its nuclear program and the handover of its enriched uranium stockpile. Iran's demands are understood to include joint control over the Strait of Hormuz and the unfreezing of billions in assets.
Amidst these developments, an article published by a media outlet linked to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps suggested the country has "no choice" but to develop a nuclear bomb, arguing for negotiation from a position of strength and nuclear deterrence to ensure peace and resolve outstanding issues.