US-Iran talks: Trump announces Doha meeting on Tuesday, Tehran denies agreement

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Mohammad Akbarzadeh, political deputy (and spokesperson) of the IRGC Navy, died in reported vehicle rollover accident in Iran's Kerman province.

Iranian state-affiliated media, including Fars News Agency (IRGC-linked), reported that Akbarzadeh, political deputy (and spokesperson) of the IRGC Navy, died after his vehicle overturned on a road in Kerman province (southeastern Iran, on the route from Yazd). 

Emergency responders transported him to a medical center, where he succumbed to his injuries. 

Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause and circumstances.

This is corroborated by multiple outlets carrying the Iranian reporting, including Iran International, RIA Novosti/Sputnik affiliates, and social media summaries from observers. 

Mixed signals over planned US-Iran negotiations injected fresh uncertainty into Middle East diplomacy, as Tehran denied that any talks were scheduled despite President Donald Trump's announcement that American and Iranian officials would meet in Qatar this week.

Iran's Foreign Ministry said no negotiations with the US were planned "at any level" in the coming days, contradicting Trump's statement that talks would begin Tuesday. The conflicting messages have raised questions about the status of diplomatic efforts following weeks of heightened tensions in the region.

The uncertainty comes as negotiators seek to build on a fragile US-Iran memorandum of understanding intended to reduce hostilities and pave the way for a broader agreement addressing Iran's nuclear program, regional security and sanctions relief.

More than two dozen commercial vessels transited the Strait of Hormuz over the past 24 hours, according to MarineTraffic data, as global shipping companies cautiously resumed operations ahead of expected US-Iran peace talks that President Donald Trump said are scheduled to begin Tuesday.

The vessel count remains well below pre-conflict levels, underscoring continued concerns over security in one of the world's most strategically important maritime chokepoints.

MarineTraffic data showed that 25 commercial ships passed through the strait during the latest 24-hour period. The outbound traffic from the Persian Gulf included six oil tankers and eight cargo vessels, while five tankers and six cargo ships entered the Gulf.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmail Baghaei has briefed reporters on developments related to the implementation of a memorandum of understanding (MoU), outlining progress on key provisions, according to official remarks.

He said the United States has issued the necessary authorisations under Article 10 of the MoU, related to oil sales, and that Iran is monitoring the implementation process.

Baghaei added that steps are also underway regarding the release of Iran’s frozen assets.

However, he clarified that negotiations on a final agreement have not yet begun.

He further said any visit by US representatives to Qatar is unrelated to the Iranian delegation’s trip, which is focused solely on follow-up implementation issues, including Article 11 of the MoU.

US President Donald Trump pushed to link the wars in Lebanon and Iran during ceasefire discussions, despite Israel’s preference to treat them as separate conflicts, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said, according to a CNN report.

Katz said he regretted the linkage but noted it “served an American interest,” adding that Washington wanted to advance negotiations with Iran and saw the Lebanon front as an obstacle.

He also said Israel had no territorial ambitions in Lebanon but remains in place with US backing until Hezbollah is fully disarmed.

According to Katz, Israel has destroyed large parts of border villages and said displaced residents from southern Lebanon will not be allowed to return.

He also reiterated that Israel would strike Beirut’s Dahiyeh district if Hezbollah attacks northern Israel and said it is prepared to resume operations against Iran if diplomacy fails or if Iran attacks Israel.

The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced that Emirati citizens will be allowed to travel to Lebanon from Monday, June 29, 2026.

The ministry said registration through the Tawajudi service is mandatory before travel, adding that citizens will not be allowed to leave UAE ports of departure before completing the registration process to avoid travel procedures being suspended or legal accountability.

In a statement posted on Instagram, the ministry said UAE citizens must also notify the relevant authorities of their return through Tawajudi.

It urged citizens to contact the ministry in emergencies on +97180024.

The decision follows an earlier travel ban announced on April 30, 2026, when the ministry barred UAE citizens from travelling to Iran, Lebanon and Iraq due to regional developments and called on citizens already in those countries to leave and return to the UAE as soon as possible.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry has said an Iranian delegation will travel to Doha to follow up on the implementation of a memorandum of understanding, particularly regarding frozen funds.

However, it clarified that no negotiations with the United States will take place “at any level” in the coming days.

The ministry also said the planned visit by US representatives to Qatar has no connection to the Iranian delegation’s trip, rejecting speculation of coordinated talks.

Iran stressed that discussions in Doha are limited to ongoing follow-up mechanisms and not formal negotiations with Washington.

Iran has said it will not allow France, Oman or any other country to take part in clearing mines from the Strait of Hormuz, insisting the operation is solely its responsibility, according to Deputy Foreign Minister Kasem Gharibabadi.

His remarks come after France and Oman announced plans to work with partners on demining efforts and broader steps to reduce tensions in the strategic waterway.

Gharibabadi rejected the move, saying Iran “fundamentally does not permit any such thing” and urged France not to escalate the situation with “provocations.”

Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz slowed sharply over the weekend as ships avoided a transit corridor off Oman after a fresh exchange of strikes between the United States and Iran.

Only four tankers and one container ship used the Omani southern corridor to enter the Gulf on Sunday, escorted by US Navy vessels, according to research firm HFI Research.

No vessels used the route to leave the Gulf on Sunday, according to data by maritime tracking firm Kpler.

Just one vessel used the Omani route to exit the Gulf, and another to enter, by 1500 GMT on Monday, Kpler data showed.

Iran on Sunday warned ships against using routes it does not approve of to pass through the vital maritime passage.

In total, 29 commodity vessels crossed on Saturday and 12 transited on Sunday, according to data from the maritime tracking firm Kpler.

AXSMarine, another firm that tracks all commercial ships, detected 36 crossings on Saturday and 19 on Sunday.

Qatar’s Ministry of Transport has announced a temporary suspension of marine activities involving recreational boats, fishing vessels, jet skis and other similar watercraft until further notice, citing public safety concerns.

In a statement posted on its official X account on Monday, the ministry said the decision takes immediate effect and is aimed at safeguarding public safety.

No timeframe was provided for when the suspension will be lifted.

Lebanon’s army chief General Rodolph Haykal received US CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper and a military delegation at his office in Yarze, south of Beirut, according to Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency.

The two sides discussed recent developments in Lebanon and the wider Middle East, along with ways to strengthen future cooperation between the two militaries.

Haykal expressed appreciation for US support, stressing “the necessity of continued cooperation between the two armies in a way that preserves Lebanon’s security and stability.”

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun told the US Central Command chief on Monday that he was committed to extending the state's control through its military up to the border with Israel, where Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah maintains a strong presence.

He reaffirmed to Admiral Brad Cooper "the Lebanese state's determination to extend its authority, through its armed forces, to the southern border", the presidency said in a statement, adding that the pair discussed preparations for implementing a framework agreement between Lebanon, Israel and the US.

The Strait of Hormuz remained open over the weekend, with vessel movements continuing despite ongoing maritime security concerns in the region, according to MarineTraffic data.

The maritime analytics platform said 108 verified crossings were recorded between 26 and 28 June, covering container, tanker, LNG-linked, bulk and service vessel movements. Activity was strongest on 26 June before easing over the following two days.

Routing patterns showed a split in navigation choices. According to the data, 39 crossings used the Omani Route, 37 followed the Iranian Route, 23 were classified as Dark or Unknown, and 9 used the IMO Route.

MarineTraffic noted that the distribution suggests operators are still assessing risk levels cautiously, rather than returning to pre-crisis traffic patterns in the strategic waterway.

 The United Arab Emirates has expressed its solidarity with the brotherly State of Qatar following the death of a Qatari citizen and the injury of another Arab national as a result of shrapnel from military operations in the area.

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) expressed the UAE’s sincere condolences and sympathy to the family of the victim, and to the government and people of Qatar, as well as its wishes for a speedy recovery for the injured individual.

The Spanish government raised its 2026 growth forecast to 2.6 percent from 2.2 percent, saying its economy was well positioned to overcome the energy shock and other turbulence stemming from the Middle East war.

Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo pointed to the "momentum" of the economy to justify the improved outlook, saying growth of around 0.64 percent was expected in the second quarter.

The European Union's fourth-largest economy has comfortably outperformed its peers in recent years, recording 2.8 percent growth last year and 3.5 percent in 2024, fuelled by consumer demand, exports and tourism.

The Bank of Spain forecasts 2.3 percent growth this year amid fears of a slowdown linked to the Iran war, while the International Monetary Fund predicts 2.1 percent.

"We have dynamic growth, a more resilient economy capable of coping with shocks with more flexibility than in previous circumstances or occasions," Cuerpo told a press conference.

Spain's National Statistics Institute said that inflation remained at 3.2 percent in June for the third straight month, even as electricity and gas prices increased year-on-year, according to provisional data.

The government put in place measures worth five billion euros ($5.7 billion) in March to cushion the blow on households and businesses, including tax cuts and a direct subsidy for the hardest-hit sectors.

On Monday, the cabinet approved the continuation of support for agriculture and transport, but VAT cuts on fuel are due to end from July.

Iraq's government has given pro-Iran armed groups in the country until September 30 to disarm, its spokesman said during a press conference on Monday.

The announcement comes ahead of a visit to the United States by new Prime Minister Ali Al Zaidi, with Washington exerting pressure on Baghdad to ensure the factions turn in their weapons.

Some of the groups targeted US facilities in Iraq during the Middle East war, which was sparked by Israeli-American strikes against Iran in late February.

US President Donald Trump’s envoys will take part in a meeting with Iranian officials in Doha on Tuesday, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said.

In an interview with Fox News, Leavitt said Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will travel to the Qatari capital for high-level discussions this week as talks on a memorandum of understanding continue.

She added that technical-level discussions will also take place on the sidelines of the main meetings.

The White House has said Iran has requested a meeting in Doha, with US President Donald Trump confirming that discussions will take place on tomorrow, according to a social media post shared by the administration.

In a post attributed to the White House, Trump said: “Iran has requested a meeting. It will take place tomorrow in Doha! President DJT.”

The brief statement did not provide details on the agenda of the proposed talks or the level of diplomatic engagement expected in the Qatari capital.

Iran's foreign ministry denied reports that Iranian and American technical teams will meet this week to discuss the implementation of the deal to end the Middle East war.

Iran's foreign ministry on Monday denied reports that Iranian and American technical teams will meet in the coming days to discuss the implementation of the deal to end the Middle East war.

"No technical meetings of the working groups are planned for this week," Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said, quoted by state TV, referring to the Iranian week ending on Friday.

Citing US officials, American news site Axios reported on Sunday that Tehran and Washington would hold a meeting in Qatar on Tuesday to resolve their dispute over the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

CNN reported similar comments from a Trump administration official, though the White House has not issued an official statement.

Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian said Monday that $6 billion in frozen Iranian assets would be released by Qatar as negotiations with the United States were challenged by attacks across the Arabian Gulf this weekend.

Pezeshkian is the highest-ranking official within Iran to reference the release of the funds held by Qatar, a key mediator in the negotiations with Pakistan. So far, US officials say no frozen Iranian assets have been released.

"Based on the plans made, $6 billion out of the total $12 billion of Iranian resources in Qatar will be released and returned to the country, and necessary follow-ups are being carried out," Pezeshkian was cited by the state-run IRNA news agency as saying. The remarks appeared aimed at selling the Iranian public on the interim deal.

Iran said Monday it had held its first meeting with Oman on managing the Strait of Hormuz since it signed a preliminary deal to end the Middle East war with the United States.

The announcement followed the US saying it had agreed with Iran to halt attacks after an exchange of strikes strained their deal, with the two sides planning to renew talks to end the conflict.

"During a trip to Muscat, the first meeting of the Joint Hormuz Committee was held," said Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi on X. "While reviewing the current issues related to the strait, we exchanged views on the future management."

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah and his Pakistani counterpart, Mohammad Ishaq Dar, discussed the latest regional developments during a phone call on Monday, the Qatar News Agency reported.

During the call, the two sides reviewed the latest developments related to the memorandum of understanding signed between the United States and Iran, as well as ongoing efforts to ensure the success of the negotiations and reach comprehensive solutions that promote security and stability in the region.

An adviser to Iran's supreme leader has issued a stark warning to Bahrain, declaring that Tehran would strike the kingdom with intensified military force if provoked.

Ali Akbar Velayati stated, "A serious warning is being given to the Bahrainis to know their limits and not play such games with their own fate, and not force Iran to adopt harsh decisions," according to a report by the semi-official Tasnim News.

Iran targeted a US Navy base in Bahrain over Friday and Saturday, claiming that Washington uses military bases in the region to launch attacks on its territory. While Gulf nations deny the claim, Manama has condemned the latest attacks, saying they violated its sovereignty and undermined "opportunities for de-escalation and stability in the region".

Asian stocks were mixed and oil prices edged up as reports said the United States and Iran had agreed to stop attacking each other following a weekend of strikes that threw their fragile truce into question.

Oil prices, which last week fell to pre-war levels, rose Monday, with West Texas Intermediate adding more than one per cent.

Equity markets fluctuated, with Hong Kong, Sydney, Wellington, Taipei and Manila up but Tokyo, Seoul, Shanghai, Singapore and Jakarta down.

Tech firms were again in the spotlight after leading hefty losses last week, with South Korean chip makers SK hynix and Samsung taking the brunt of the selling.

The tech rally has sent Seoul, Tokyo and Wall Street's three main indexes to record highs this year, with SK hynix alone soaring 300 percent in the first six months of the year.

Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud received a phone call from French President Emmanuel Macron, during which they discussed regional and international developments, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.

According to SPA, the two leaders reviewed the latest developments regarding the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between the United States and Iran, as well as ongoing efforts to facilitate comprehensive solutions that would enhance security and stability in the region.

They underscored the importance of ensuring freedom of navigation and supporting diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions, Xinhua news agency reported.

The two sides also discussed bilateral cooperation and exchanged views on other regional and international issues of common concern.

The United States and Iran have agreed to stop attacking each other, American media reported citing senior US officials, and plan to meet Tuesday in Qatar to resolve their dispute over the Strait of Hormuz.

The US and Iran have traded strikes in recent days despite a fragile June 17 memorandum of understanding aimed at ending the conflict that began in late February and disrupted shipping through the vital waterway.

Under that agreement, Tehran committed to allow safe passage of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz while Washington agreed to lift its blockade of Iranian ports.

"We decided to stop all the kinetic activity," a senior US official told media outlet Axios on Sunday, using a military term for strikes.

A second American official told Axios both sides will stand down "for now" and that "vessels can move freely" as talks are set to continue.

Both US officials and a third source with knowledge confirmed Tuesday's meeting in Qatar, Axios said.

CNN reported similar comments from a Trump administration official, saying the two sides will "stand down for now" and that they have agreed to meet in Doha on Tuesday for further discussions.

The Israeli army destroyed an extensive tunnel in southern Lebanon on Sunday, with Lebanese state media reporting strikes in the area and Iran-backed Hezbollah saying it reserves the right to respond to those attacks.

"The tunnel, stretching more than 200 metres and reaching a depth of over 25 metres, contained hundreds of weapons as well as several launch shafts intended to target the State of Israel," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz said in a joint statement.

In response to the attacks, Hezbollah said it "reiterates that what the enemy has done is a blatant violation of the ceasefire to which it has adhered until now, and that it is monitoring and tracking these violations, and reserves its right to defend its homeland and its people".

Technical talks on implementing the US-Iran memorandum of understanding remain scheduled despite the latest military exchanges between the two countries, a senior US administration official told CNN late on Sunday.

"Nothing has been canceled. Technical talks regarding the implementation of the MoU are on track for the coming days as planned, and deconfliction channels are up and running after the Lake Lucerne Summit," the official said, referring to the recent round of negotiations in Switzerland.

The renewed exchange of strikes has put the fragile agreement under increasing strain. President Donald Trump warned that the United States would respond with additional military action if Iran continues attacking US interests, while Tehran cautioned that any violations of the ceasefire would "result in the complete halt of all diplomatic processes."

The memorandum of understanding, signed earlier this month, established a framework for reopening the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping, easing selected financial restrictions on Iran and launching technical negotiations over the future of Tehran's nuclear program.

The agreement also triggered a 60-day negotiating period during which US and Iranian officials aim to finalize a broader accord covering nuclear safeguards, sanctions relief and long-term regional security.

Despite a sharp escalation in military exchanges across the Gulf, US and Iranian officials say diplomatic negotiations remain on track, underscoring the unusual reality of a conflict in which both sides are trading attacks while keeping channels for a broader peace agreement open.

The latest crisis erupted after Iran launched drones and missiles toward US military facilities in Bahrain and Kuwait following American retaliatory strikes on Iranian military sites.

US officials said none of the Iranian drones or missiles successfully struck their intended targets. Most were intercepted by US and allied air defenses, while others failed before reaching their destinations. American officials also reported no US casualties.

Despite the exchange of fire, negotiators are still expected to meet in Qatar this week to continue technical discussions aimed at preserving the fragile ceasefire framework and advancing a broader agreement covering Iran's nuclear programme, sanctions relief and security in the Strait of Hormuz.

Mediators from Qatar and Pakistan continue to push both sides to keep diplomacy alive even as military pressure intensifies.

The latest flare-up has also widened the regional conflict. Iran warned it could suspend negotiations if further US strikes continue, while Israel has stepped up operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon, prompting a parallel race by Israel's military and technology sector to strengthen defences against increasingly sophisticated drones, precision missiles and electronic warfare threats posed by the Iran-backed militant group.

The Gulf states have increasingly found themselves on the front lines of the confrontation. Bahrain and Kuwait, both hosts to major US military facilities, became direct targets of Iranian retaliation, highlighting how America's regional partners remain vulnerable even when attacks are intercepted.

The renewed exchanges have also reignited concerns over commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for global oil exports, although negotiators insist efforts to stabilize maritime security remain part of the ongoing talks.

Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, has once again strongly condemned the continued Iranian attacks carried out against the Kingdom of Bahrain and the State of Kuwait using missiles and drones, describing them as a flagrant violation of sovereignty, international law and the Charter of the United Nations.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Aboul Gheit stressed the need for the immediate cessation of all Iranian hostile acts targeting the Gulf states and threatening regional security and stability, holding Iran fully responsible for its unlawful actions, which undermine regional and international diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving peace in the region.

Technical talks on the US–Iran memorandum of understanding remain “on track” despite recent exchanges of fire, a senior US administration official said on Sunday, according to CNN.

The official said no meetings had been cancelled and that discussions on implementing the MoU are still scheduled to proceed in the coming days as planned.

They added that deconfliction channels remain active following the Lake Lucerne summit in Switzerland, where talks were led on the US side by Vice President JD Vance.

Iran has warned regional countries against allowing their territory or facilities to be used for attacks on its soil, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Sunday, according to the semi-official Tasnim news agency.

He stressed that regional governments must play a role in safeguarding peace and security, particularly by preventing “aggressor parties” from using their territory or infrastructure to launch what Tehran called unlawful attacks on Iran.

Day 121: Iran warns against attacks from regional territory

Day 120: US–Iran ceasefire under strain as drones target Bahrain

Day 119: Lebanon, Israel, US sign trilateral deal in Washington

Day 118: Oil price spikes after IRGC strike on ship in Hormuz

Day 117: Iran-Gulf reconciliation talks expected in Saudi Arabia