WASHINGTON (Dunya News) - The White House has said no direct negotiations are currently taking place between the United States and Iran to end the conflict or reach a new agreement, as Qatar steps up diplomatic efforts to revive dialogue between the two sides.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told Fox News that talks would remain suspended until President Donald Trump believes Iran is genuinely prepared to engage in meaningful negotiations.
Leavitt said Trump’s top priority was ensuring that Iran never obtains a nuclear weapon.
She added that Washington was focusing on increasing economic pressure on Tehran following US military action, while the president continued to keep all options, including military action, on the table.
The statement comes as Qatar seeks to reopen a diplomatic channel between Washington and Tehran.
Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani visited Tehran on Thursday and met Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and other senior officials.
The discussions focused on reducing regional tensions and creating conditions for renewed US-Iran negotiations.
Qatar and Iran also discussed plans for a temporary maritime corridor through the Strait of Hormuz and possible cooperation on clearing mines from the strategic waterway.
Meanwhile, the United States has intensified economic pressure on Iran through sanctions, warning other countries against maintaining certain financial ties with Tehran.
Iran has condemned the US sanctions as economic warfare and maintained that it will not abandon its national interests under pressure.