DOHA/WASHINGTON, 01 July (H.S.): Iranian and US negotiators are currently in Doha, Qatar, but direct talks between the two sides have yet to begin. Tehran has laid down strict conditions for initiating negotiations on a final agreement, saying it will only enter direct discussions if Israeli military operations in Lebanon come to an end.

According to Al Jazeera, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said Tehran would not begin negotiations on a final agreement until the fighting in Lebanon ends. He also said that before any direct talks can commence, Washington must lift restrictions on Iranian oil exports and release Iran's frozen financial assets.

Iran's position has prevented face-to-face negotiations with the US delegation in Doha. However, Qatar's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, held separate meetings with US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.

Iranian negotiators are also present in Doha, but there are no indications that direct discussions between the two sides will begin soon. Tehran has stated that it is prepared to continue indirect negotiations through Qatari mediation regarding the implementation of the existing memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the United States and the release of frozen Iranian assets.

Iran also warned that it would respond if the United States violated any agreement aimed at ending the conflict. Meanwhile, Israel claimed that it had killed another Hezbollah operative in southern Lebanon during ongoing military operations.

Scott Uehlinger, a US national security expert and former CIA official, said Washington is conducting indirect technical discussions with Iran in Doha to manage rising tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz.

Uehlinger said the primary objective of the American delegation is to address technical issues that could help prevent future complications. He added that these concerns are linked to Iran's diplomatic efforts regarding influence over the Strait of Hormuz.

According to Uehlinger, the United States is seeking to ensure that maritime security in the strategic waterway is maintained in accordance with the memorandum of understanding. He said Washington is also encouraging Qatar and other Gulf countries to engage with Iran to establish a cooperative framework for safeguarding commercial shipping through one of the world's most critical maritime trade routes.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar