DOHA: A high-level Iranian delegation including the country’s top negotiator and central bank chief were in Doha on Monday to discuss an agreement with the US and the release of frozen funds, a source briefed on the matter told AFP.
“Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Doha earlier today for talks on ongoing diplomatic efforts to end the conflict,” the source said, requesting anonymity to discuss sensitive matters.
The visit will focus, the source added, “on issues relating to the Strait (of Hormuz) and highly enriched uranium. The Central Bank governor is part of the delegation to discuss the issue of frozen funds, which is addressed in the MoU as part of an eventual final deal.”
There was no official confirmation from the Qatari side, but Iran’s official news agency IRNA confirmed the visit, saying: “This trip comes as part of the diplomatic process.”
Other media in Iran including Tasnim and Fars news agencies confirmed the delegation included the Central Bank Governor Abdolnaser Hemmati.
Pakistan has so far been the main mediator in the peace talks between the US and Iran, which have been ongoing since a ceasefire came into force on April 8.
The talks aim to comprehensively end the war and fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
In recent weeks Qatar, which has mediated between Iran and the US in the past, appears to have played a growing role to push for talks.
Earlier this month, Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani held meetings with top US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance.
* With AFP
