Diplomatic impasse persists between U.S. and Iran in Doha talks

U.S. envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff arrived in Doha for high-level meetings intended to secure a permanent ceasefire and address issues including Iran's nuclear program. These talks follow an interim 14-point agreement signed on June 17, which sought to end hostilities that began with U.S. and Israeli strikes on February 28. The conflict has caused significant loss of life in Iran and Lebanon while disrupting global oil trade. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei explicitly stated that no meetings between Iranian and American officials are scheduled, noting that the presence of an Iranian technical delegation in Qatar is unrelated to the U.S. visit. Meanwhile, Qatar has acted as a mediator, with Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani meeting with the U.S. delegation. Reports indicate that U.S. President Donald Trump has discussed the possibility of further military strikes with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and General Dan Caine due to the stalemate. Despite the ongoing tensions, global oil prices have softened, reflecting a de-escalation of activity since the previous weekend.