Qatari talks in Tehran to promote de-escalation and dialogue
The White House confirmed that the United States and Iran are not currently holding any talks to end the war, as Washington focuses on economic pressure, noting that all options remain “on the table.” Meanwhile, Fox News reported that U.S. Navy officers stated the aircraft carrier Theodore Roosevelt will soon depart from the port of San Diego, heading to the Middle East as part of efforts to bolster military buildup around Iran.
In an attempt to revive the diplomatic track following mutual accusations between Washington and Tehran over U.S. efforts to escalate economic pressure—which Iranian Assembly of Experts Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf described as a “comprehensive economic war”—Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani discussed de-escalation, creating conditions for dialogue, and reviving previous understandings during his visit to Tehran on Thursday.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman met with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, who called for resuming the implementation of the memorandum of understanding and resolving differences through dialogue, stating that “incidents occurred that were unacceptable,” but that Iran and Qatar are capable of overcoming them through mutual understanding.
He added that “logic dictates resuming the implementation of the memorandum of understanding in the same manner previously followed, and resolving issues through dialogue,” emphasizing that Iran does not seek war or its expansion.
Pezeshkian expressed appreciation for the mediation efforts of Qatar, Pakistan, and the Sultanate of Oman, and invited Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to visit Iran, saying the visit could help dispel “ambiguity and misunderstanding” between the two countries.
For his part, the Qatari Prime Minister stated that the war “did not start within the region, but was imposed on it from outside,” adding that all countries in the region are bearing its costs.
He said Qatar supports the implementation of understandings, pointing to efforts made by Pakistan and Oman, and to his ongoing communications with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to create the necessary atmosphere for a return to stability.
He added that “the coming days will be full and intensive,” and that the Qatari team will begin its movements starting Friday, expressing hope that the efforts will lead to “desired results” and open the way for practical solutions through diplomacy.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman also discussed regional developments and efforts aimed at de-escalation and creating conditions to resume dialogue with Ghalibaf.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman began his meetings in Tehran with a session with Araghchi, during which both sides discussed de-escalation, creating conditions for dialogue, and arrangements for navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
Qatar News Agency (QNA) reported that the talks covered the proposed interim framework, which includes establishing a temporary joint navigation corridor through the strait and implementing a joint project to clear it of mines. The Prime Minister stressed the need to respect the sovereignty of neighboring countries and freedom of navigation, and to continue diplomatic efforts to resolve differences through dialogue.
In Moscow, Iranian Ambassador Kazem Jalali announced that Pezeshkian will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, on September 1.
In Washington, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that “President Trump’s primary goal is to ensure that Iran does not acquire a nuclear weapon, and that will remain so.”
In an interview with Fox News, she said the U.S. president “still keeps all options on the table” regarding Iran.
The press secretary added, “There are no negotiations currently underway, and this situation will continue until the President feels that they are seriously willing to sit at the negotiating table. We have not seen that yet.”
