Donald Trump’s envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner have arrived in Qatar to meet mediators, but will not meet Iran for direct talks.
“There is ho high level meeting between the US and Iran planned,” Qatar said on Tuesday, in another sign that the peace process was stalling.
Tehran on Tuesday denied that any negotiations would take place with the US, despite Trump saying a meeting would take place in Doha at Iran’s request.
“IRAN HAS REQUESTED A MEETING. IT WILL TAKE PLACE TOMORROW IN DOHA,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
However, Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei, said no talks between Iran and the US were scheduled in the coming days. He said that an Iranian technical delegation will visit Qatar this week, but it has no relation to US officials visiting the country.
Iran and the US had traded attacks in the Gulf in recent days as each accused the other of violating an interim deal signed less than two weeks ago to end their four-month war.
Read MoreIran’s Strait of Hormuz warning casts doubt on UK-France defensive mission
‘Trump wasn’t victorious – it was a major defeat’: protestors inside Iran speak out
Key Points
- Iran says its delegation will travel to Doha, but not for US talks
- Two Revolutionary Guard men killed in Iran in 'terrorist attack'
- Oil falls below $73 a barrel as investors focus on potential Doha talks
- Trump says Iran and US to meet in Doha today
- Iran says final deal negotiation has not begun
Iran says no need for 'outside interference' in Strait of Hormuz
15:30 , Maira ButtIranian foreign minister spokesperson Esmail Baghaei has insisted that there is no need for “outside interference” in the Strait of Hormuz.
He said that the involvement of other countries would only “complicate” matters.
Hormuz disruption may have lasting impact on vulnerable economies, UN trade agency says
15:00 , Maira ButtThe United Nations trade and development agency warned on Tuesday that vulnerable economies remain at risk from prolonged increases in food and fuel costs despite the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz bringing immediate relief to energy markets.
Food and transport systems are likely to take longer than energy markets to recover, as disrupted supply chains need more time to reset following more than 100 days of severe disruption to shipping through the strategic waterway, a UN Conference on Trade and Development said in a new report.
Despite the falling price of crude, higher fuel, gas and fertiliser costs could continue to feed through into agricultural production, transport costs and household budgets.
Vulnerable economies remain particularly exposed to oil and fertiliser price shocks, while persistently high food prices could place further pressure on poorer households. UNCTAD said a 5 per cent increase in food prices can significantly raise the risk of childhood wasting.
The agency identified 61 vulnerable economies exposed to oil and cereal import shocks linked to the Strait of Hormuz disruption. Among them is Cape Verde, which relies heavily on imported fuel and has experienced rising electricity, transport and food costs that could continue even after energy markets stabilise.
Staple food-importing countries such as Yemen also remain highly vulnerable because their fragile economies are ill-equipped to absorb higher grain prices and transport costs. UNCTAD called for international support to help the most exposed countries recover from the recent shocks.
Steve Witkoff: Who is the real estate mogul Trump picked to broker Iran peace?
14:30 , Maira ButtSteve Witkoff and President Donald Trump became friends over a deli sandwich. Now the friends political associates are working together in an attempt to broker a fledgling piece with Iran.
Witkoff, who runs a real estate development and investment firm, is a longtime friend and golf partner of Trump. He played a less visible role during Trump's first term, serving on the board of trustees for the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
Since Trump’s re-election, the billionaire has served as the United States special envoy to the Middle East and special envoy for peace missions.
He played a key role in negotiating a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas earlier this year, alongside Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner.
Prior to his political career, Witkoff enjoyed successful business dealings in the Middle East and strong relationships with the Qatari government, which were reported to be a key source of funds for his company, the Witkoff Group.
The real-estate developer and investor also served during the first Trump administration as member of the Great American Economic Revival Industry Groups, set up to deal with the economic impact of the Covid pandemic.
He has been highly visible during Israel-Gaza ceasefire negotiations and was selected by Trump to help broker peace between Russia and Ukraine and the US and Iran.
‘Trump wasn’t victorious – it was a major defeat’: protestors inside Iran speak out
14:00 , Maira ButtThis article first appeared on our partner site, Independent Persian
The signing of a memorandum of understanding between US president Donald Trump and Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian was seen by many Iranians not as the end of a crisis, as portrayed by Washington and Tehran, but as a symbol of “political betrayal” and “America’s historic failure”.
In messages sent to Independent Persian, readers from various cities across Iran said that after 39 days of war, Trump ultimately agreed to a deal with the Islamic Republic while the core power structure in Tehran remains intact, the influence of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has grown, and ordinary Iranians have been left to cope with economic hardship, destroyed homes, unemployment and a new wave of executions.
‘Trump wasn’t victorious – it was a major defeat’: protestors inside Iran speak out
Why the US and Iran are about to ‘resume peace talks’ – and what is happening in the Strait of Hormuz?
13:30 , Maira ButtIran and the US have issued conflicting statements about forthcoming discussions. Here is an overview of what could be discussed.
- Iran and the US have reportedly agreed to halt recent strikes and renew talks regarding their dispute over the Strait of Hormuz.
- The two nations are expected to meet on Tuesday in Qatar, according to Axios, citing a senior US official.
- This development could end hostilities that had threatened an interim peace agreement signed less than two weeks ago.
- Both sides had recently traded attacks in the Gulf, each accusing the other of violating the earlier deal.
- Iran claimed a joint missile and drone operation targeting US military sites, while the US had struck Iran after a tanker was hit in the Strait of Hormuz.
Watch: Trump claims communism is bigger threat to US than 9/11 and Pearl Harbor
13:00 , Maira ButtIran says its delegation will travel to Doha, but not for US talks
12:30 , Maira ButtIran's foreign ministry said a delegation will be in Doha over the next two days, but the team will not meet with US officials.
Instead, the group will pursue, through the Qatari mediator, the implementation of US commitments under the memorandum of understanding, according to deputy foreign minister Kazem Gharibabadi.
President Donald Trump had said that Iran-US talks would be held in Doha today. However, Iran dismissed the statement, saying no talks have been scheduled for the coming days.
Egypt strongly condemns Israeli attacks on Syria
12:00 , Maira ButtEgypt’s foreign ministry condemned Israeli attacks on Syria on Monday.
It affirmed its “complete rejection of any violations affecting the sovereignty of Arab states or their territorial integrity, renewing its full solidarity with Syria and support for all efforts to preserve its unity and sovereignty.”
Israeli troops face resistance in southern Syrian town of Abdin
11:30 , Maira ButtAs Israeli troops and vehicles entered the town of Abdin in southern Syria, residents blocked the roads with rocks, and some young men and boys threw stones to push back the military patrol.
Tensions in this part of the country created by a buffer zone occupied by Israeli forces have flared into violence in recent days, leaving residents anxious that more escalation is coming. Residents of Abdin, located near a U.N.-patrolled buffer zone now controlled by Israeli troops, tried to resist against a military incursion Sunday.
Israeli troops face resistance in southern Syrian town of Abdin
Breaking: Qatar says Witkoff and Kushner not in Doha for Iran talks
11:11 , Maira ButtA foreign ministry spokesperson for Qatar has confirmed that US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will be in Qatar to meet mediators to discuss negotiations.
“There is ho high level meeting between the US and Iran planned,” they said on Tuesday, appearing to confirm reports by Iran.
Iran's president says $6B in frozen assets in Qatar to be released
11:00 , Maira ButtIran's president 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 Persian Gulf this weekend.
Masoud Pezeshkian 's mention of the funds appear aimed at selling the Iranian public on the interim deal, particularly as its grip on the Strait of Hormuz has been challenged by efforts to open Oman's territorial waters to both inbound and outbound traffic from the Persian Gulf. Iran's attacks and threats stopped cargo ships and tankers from moving though the strait, in which about a fifth of all traded oil and natural gas passed in peacetime, creating a global energy crisis.
Iran's president says $6B in frozen assets in Qatar to be released as US talks challenged
In pictures: Aftermath of Israel incursions in Syria
10:30 , Maira ButtSyria has condemned Israeli incursions and shelling in the south of the country, a day after an escalation in the village in Daraa province forced its residents to temporarily flee, according to local officials. Israel has said it is defeating terrorists in the region.
“Syria is not a testing ground for foreign conspiracies, nor a place for carrying out the ambitions of others at the expense of the blood of our children and women,” said Syrian president Ahmad al-Sharaa.
Iran warns US, France and Oman against mine-clearance in Hormuz
10:00 , Maira ButtIranian deputy foreign minister Kazem Gharibabadi has warned France, Oman and the United States against conducting mine-clearing operations in the Strait of Hormuz.
He said that the clearances are “carried out solely by Iran” and that Tehran will not allow other countries to do it.
Watch: Trump says envoys traveling to Doha for Iran meeting
09:30 , Maira ButtEurope's central bank head defends its recent rate hike to fight inflation
09:00 , Maira ButtThe head of the European Central Bank defended its June 11 rate increase as justified to ward off real inflationary pressures and said it wasn’t just a mere “insurance hike.”
ECB head Christine Lagarde said Monday that without the quarter percentage-point increase, inflation could have lingered above the bank’s 2 per cent target into 2028.
“Some have characterised our rate increase earlier this month as an ‘insurance hike,’” Lagarde said. “I'm sorry to disappoint them. That is not an accurate description. We faced an outlook of rising headline and core inflation.”
Iran war turns Asia toward diversifying energy supplies, undermining climate goals
08:30 , Maira ButtAsian nations hit hard by the Iran war's price shocks are rushing to diversify and strengthen their energy security, potentially undermining their commitments to curb climate change.
As negotiations on ending the war drag on, countries in energy hungry Southeast Asia are exploring nuclear power and promising renewable rollouts. But they are also investing in coal power to provide a buffer during times of crisis.
The Iran war has not shaken coal's status as a pillar of Southeast Asia’s energy security, said Sandeep Pai at Duke University’s Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment and Sustainability.
Iran war turns Asia toward diversifying energy supplies, undermining climate goals
Israel prepared to strike Iran 'independently', says minister
08:01 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarDefence minister Israel Katz has warned that Tel Aviv could find itself at war with Iran "tomorrow" if Tehran launches missiles at Israeli territory.
Katz told reporters that Israel would respond forcefully to any Iranian attack and was prepared to carry out an independent military operation if necessary.
"If Iran fires missiles at Israel, Israel will strike Iran with force," he said.
"There is no equation we will accept in which Iran fires at Israel," he said.
Katz said Israeli troops had been instructed to remain on high alert. "The IDF is just waiting for it and is on alert. There are targets," he added.
Iran prepares for slain supreme leader Ali Khamenei's funeral
07:46 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
Iran’s Strait of Hormuz warning casts doubt on UK-France defensive mission
07:30 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarMine clearance in the Strait of Hormuz will only be carried out by Iran, the regime has said, casting doubt on a planned UK and French-led mission to make the vital oil supply route safe for shipping.
The country’s deputy foreign minister, Kazem Gharibabadi, said this was in line with the interim ceasefire deal signed with the US as Tehran moved to maintain its grip on the strategic waterway.
His remarks came in response to French President Emmanuel Macron, who said his country would work with Oman “in co-ordination with our partners” to demine the Gulf channel and ensure free passage for vessels.
More here.
Iran’s Strait of Hormuz warning casts doubt on UK-France defensive mission
Iran thank Mexico for 'love and respect' as team exits World Cup
07:17 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarIranian midfielder Saeid Ezatolahi, in a post on Instagram, expressed his gratitude to the people in Mexico for their "respect, love and hospitality" as Iran exited the World Cup last week.
Iran were forced to move their training camp base from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana, Mexico due to the ongoing war in the Middle East. They have also faced logistical challenges travelling to and from the US for their matches.
"The warmth of your heart made us feel that we were not far from home in these difficult days and I will never forget this love," Ezatolahi wrote.
He added: "In the end, only one thing remains; Iran is our home and the homeland is above all differences and tastes. I hope that the day will come when our people's share of life will be more than tears, sorrow and regret, but smiles, peace and hope."
Germany says priority to find solution for safe and free passage through Hormuz
07:00 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarThe German foreign ministry in a post on X said the priority was to reach a "sustainable solution that ensures safe and free passage through the Strait of Hormuz" and address "Iran's nuclear programme, which must never again pose a threat".
The statement comes after German foreign minister Johann Wadephul met US secretary of state Marco Rubio.
"The agreement between the US and Iran to halt mutual attacks and continue negotiations is an important step. It creates an opportunity for diplomacy in what remains a highly fragile situation," the ministry said.
South Korea says almost all its ships have crossed Hormuz
06:40 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarSouth Korean president Lee Jae-myung has announced that all but two vessels stranded in the Strait of Hormuz have now exited the waterway.
A total of 26 South Korean-linked ships were in the Strait when Iran closed the chokepoint on 28 February after the US and Israel launched attacks on Tehran.
Two Revolutionary Guard men killed in Iran in 'terrorist attack'
06:32 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarTwo members of Iran's Revolutionary Guard were killed and two others wounded in what the Guard described as a "terrorist" shooting in the western province of Kermanshah last evening.
The attackers opened fire outside the Guard members' home and authorities were investigating to identify those responsible, state media reported.
‘Trump wasn’t victorious – it was a major defeat’: protestors inside Iran speak out
06:20 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarAmirhossein Miresmaeili hears from unimpressed protestors within Iran who feel betrayed by Donald Trump’s promises of regime change.
More here.
‘Trump wasn’t victorious – it was a major defeat’: protestors inside Iran speak out
Israel says Lebanon deal 'bad news' for Hezbollah and Iran
06:00 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarIsrael's ambassador to the UN has said that the agreement between Israel and Lebanon is "bad news for Hezbollah and the Islamic Republic, and good news for peace."
Danny Danon added: "But agreements alone are not enough. What matters is their implementation."
He said Israel has "no interest" in remaining in Lebanon and that its objective is to protect Israeli citizens.
Oil falls below $73 a barrel as investors focus on potential Doha talks
05:30 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarOil prices dropped this morning, with investors eyeing the outcome of potential US-Iran talks in Doha amid weekend missile fire from both sides that tested an interim ceasefire to end the four-month-old war.
Brent August crude futures, which expire today, were down 1.03 per cent, or 75 cents, at $72.40 a barrel.
US West Texas Intermediate fell 0.66 per cent, or 47 cents, to $70.32 a barrel.
"Investors are pricing in hopes of a positive outcome from the Doha talks, even though real normalisation of flows through the Strait of Hormuz is not yet visible," said Tim Waterer, chief market analyst at KCM Trade.
"The market is cautiously hopeful but still hedging its bets until we see more tangible signs of de-escalation," Waterer added.
Iran says its delegation will travel to Doha, but not for US talks
05:28 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarIran's foreign ministry said a delegation will be in Doha over the next two days, but the team will not meet with US officials.
Instead, the group will pursue, through the Qatari mediator, the implementation of US commitments under the memorandum of understanding, according to deputy foreign minister Kazem Gharibabadi.
President Donald Trump had said that Iran-US talks would be held in Doha today. However, Iran dismissed the statement, saying no talks have been scheduled for the coming days.
Locals push back as Israeli troops force into a town in Syria
05:00 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarAs Israeli troops and vehicles entered the town of Abdin in southern Syria, residents blocked the roads with rocks, and some young men and boys threw stones to push back the military patrol.
Tensions in this part of the country created by a buffer zone occupied by Israeli forces have flared into violence in recent days, leaving residents anxious that more escalation is coming. Residents of Abdin, located near a UN-patrolled buffer zone now controlled by Israeli troops, tried to resist against a military incursion on Sunday.
"They come into the village regularly, every few days," said resident Mohammad al-Hassan.
"They come in armored 4x4 vehicles, they roam around the village and search some houses, they knock on doors and if people don't answer the door they break it down and enter the houses. Women and children start screaming, it's a terrifying thing, them coming here."
Israel says it needs buffer zones to prevent attacks.
Iran says final deal negotiation has not begun
04:45 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarIran's foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei has said that negotiations on the final deal between US and Iran have not begun.
“We have not yet entered the negotiation phase for a final agreement,” he told Iran’s IRIB broadcaster.
“According to Article 13 of the Memorandum of Understanding, the commencement of negotiations for a final agreement is conditional on the commencement and continuation of the implementation of Articles 1, 4, 5, 10, and 11,” Baghaei added
Article 1 calls for an end to war on all fronts, including in Lebanon. Article 4 calls for the US to remove its naval blockade on Iranian ports, while Article 5 concerns the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
Article 10 concerns lifting sanctions on Iranian oil exports, and Article 11 calls for the release of frozen assets.
US to suspend some duties on phosphate fertilizer from Morocco
04:30 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarUS president Donald Trump has authorized the temporary suspension of certain duties on phosphate fertilizer imported from Morocco, the White House said, as farmers grapple with fertilizer shortages due to the Iran war.
White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett said in March that the Trump administration was seeking more sources of fertilizer.
Supply from major producers in the Middle East was sharply cut by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
"Global supply chains for phosphate fertilizer and fertilizer inputs, including imports of such products into the United States, have been disrupted in recent months by, among other things, conflicts in fertilizer-producing regions as well as trade actions taken by major fertilizer-producing countries," Trump said in a proclamation released by the White House.
Watch: Trump claims communism is bigger threat to US than 9/11 and Pearl Harbor
04:15 , Rachel DobkinDemining of the Strait of Hormuz to be carried out only by Iran, deputy foreign minister says
04:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe removal of mines from the Strait of Hormuz is to be carried out solely by Iran according to the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding between Tehran and Washington, a senior Iranian official has said.
Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi made the remarks in a post on X on Monday, in response to French President Macron's comments on the subject.
Emmanuel Macron said on Monday that France and Oman are working together to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East and will cooperate with their partners on clearing mines from the Strait of Hormuz.
“The situation is sensitive and complex, we strongly advise France not to complicate it further with its provocations,” Mr Gharibabadi added.
Watch: Rubio dismisses UAE fears over Strait of Hormuz toll as ‘semantics’ despite threat to peace talks
03:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneTrump demands gasoline retailers lower their prices
02:00 , Rachel DobkinUS President Donald Trump has demanded that gasoline retailers lower their prices.
“Gasoline Retailers must get their Prices down, IMMEDIATELY! They’re too high considering that Oil is now at $68 a Barrel, and heading south.
“The Retailers must quickly react to this statement, and do what they know is right — DROP YOUR PRICE FOR OUR GREAT AMERICAN PEOPLE!” Trump wrote on Truth Social Monday night, local time.
The cost of fuel skyrocketed during the Iran war.
While gas prices in the US have dipped on hopes that the fighting is winding down, they still sit at $3.86 a gallon on average, according to the AAA motor club.
When the war started, gas prices in the US were below $3 a gallon on average, the Associated Press reported.
Trump promises farmers they will get to sell crops to ‘lovely country of Iran’ after war
01:00 , Nicole Wootton-CanePresident Donald Trump has promised American farmers they will soon be able to sell their crops to the “lovely country of Iran” now that he has signed a memorandum of understanding to end his war.
Speaking in the White House Rose Garden last Thursday, the president said: “After years of getting ripped off by other countries on trade, we’ve reduced the agricultural trade deficit, just this year, by 42 percent, opening markets to the American exports, and all over the world, we’re opening up markets for the farmers.
“And we have another one, a new market, coming up. And that’s called the lovely country of Iran. It’s a beautiful place. Would anybody like to go there?
“Uh, the Islamic Republic of Iran, uh, they’re having a hard time with food, and we’re gonna be taking some of their money and we’ll spend it, and we’re gonna be buying wheat, soybeans, and corn – a lot of it – and, uh, that process is gonna be starting pretty soon. It’s gonna be pretty big, too. I think it’s gonna be very big.”
You can read more below:
Trump promises farmers they will sell crops to ‘lovely country of Iran’ after war
UAE will allow nationals to travel to Lebanon from Monday
Tuesday 30 June 2026 00:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe United Arab Emirates will allow its nationals to travel to Lebanon starting on Monday, the state news agency WAM reported.
UAE citizens planning to visit Lebanon must register through an official service, an emergency and support platform by the ministry of foreign affairs, before their departure, the agency added.
On April 30, UAE banned its citizens from traveling to Iran, Lebanon and Iraq, and urged Emiratis in those countries to leave immediately and return home, citing regional developments.
Trump says meeting with Iran this week could 'perhaps' be important
Monday 29 June 2026 23:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneUS president Donald Trump told reporters on Monday that the US-Iran meeting in Qatar this week will be "perhaps important, perhaps not."
It comes as US envoys fly to Doha for fresh peace talks between Tehran and Washington on Tuesday.
But earlier on Monday, Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said no talks between Iran and the United States are scheduled in the coming days.
He said that an Iranian technical delegation will visit Qatar this week, but has no relation to US officials visiting the country.
