Pakistan has once again played a key diplomatic role in bringing the United States and Iran closer to dialogue, with an important meeting expected to take place in Doha, Qatar, to discuss technical issues between the two countries.
According to reports, a two-member US delegation is set to travel to Doha for the meeting. White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt confirmed that Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are expected to participate in the discussions.
Former US ambassador to Oman Richard Schmierer praised Pakistan’s efforts, saying that Islamabad’s mediation helped persuade Washington and Tehran to resume dialogue.
A day earlier, US President Donald Trump claimed on his social media platform Truth Social that Iran had requested the meeting and that the talks in Doha were taking place at Tehran’s request.
However, Iran rejected Trump’s claim.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said that no schedule had been set for any new meeting or negotiations with the United States. He stated that the Iranian delegation was travelling to Doha only to review the implementation of an earlier understanding and not for fresh talks with US officials.
Iran’s state news agency IRNA also quoted Baghaei as saying that the visit of American representatives was unrelated to the Iranian delegation’s trip and that no meeting between the two sides had been arranged.
The Iranian embassy in Qatar also said that preparations for direct US-Iran negotiations in Doha had not yet begun and that it had received no official information regarding such talks.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi had earlier said that while routine contacts with Qatar continued, media reports about technical negotiations could not be confirmed. He added that formal talks would only begin after necessary conditions were met and both sides agreed on a date and venue.
Despite the differing public statements, international sources say hopes remain high for technical discussions in Doha aimed at advancing an interim understanding and reducing tensions between Washington and Tehran. Mediators are also believed to have established a special communication mechanism to help maintain stability.
