US-Iran Indirect Talks in Doha Focus on Frozen Funds and Nuclear Inspections
The recent indirect negotiations between the United States and Iran took place in Doha, centering on the execution of a memorandum of understanding (MoU). Key topics included the potential release of Iranian funds that are currently frozen and establishing a framework to address any alleged breaches of the agreement. These discussions, facilitated by mediators from Qatar and Pakistan, commenced on Tuesday evening and continued into Wednesday through separate sessions with senior negotiators and technical experts. As reported by Iran's official news agency, the IRNA, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi indicated that there were no direct talks between the US and Iranian representatives, with all discussions occurring through the mediators. Prior to the negotiations, US envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, an adviser to former President Donald Trump, met with Qatar's Prime Minister to prepare for the discussions.
During the ongoing talks in Doha, Iran's parliament speaker and chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who did not attend the meetings in Qatar, stated that inspections of nuclear sites that have suffered damage from recent attacks would not be allowed. In an interview with Iran's Student News Network, he asserted, "Inspection of nuclear sites that have been bombed and damaged is not allowed under any circumstances." Ghalibaf noted that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) had only been permitted access to two sites in Iran, including the Bushehr nuclear power plant, emphasizing that this access was limited.
Establishing a Communication Channel Communication Channel To Be Established
Following the meetings on Wednesday, Gharibabadi announced that the involved parties had agreed to create a communication mechanism to report any alleged violations of the memorandum. He mentioned that a communication channel would be established by the following day to document and address breaches of the agreement. Reports also indicated that an emergency communication channel was agreed upon to handle violations of the MoU. A spokesperson from Qatar's Foreign Ministry remarked that "positive progress" had been made during the discussions facilitated by Qatari and Pakistani mediators alongside the US and Iranian delegations. The parties plan to continue their discussions, with the next meeting expected to be scheduled soon after the funeral of the former Iranian Supreme Leader.