The United States and Iran will hold indirect preparatory talks in Qatar this week ahead of the formal signing of an agreement aimed at ending months of conflict in the Middle East, according to a diplomat familiar with the negotiations.
The meetings in Doha are expected to take place before the agreement is formally signed in Switzerland and before technical discussions on implementing the deal begin.
Speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the arrangements, the diplomat said separate meetings would be held with each side before the signing ceremony.
The development comes as US President, Donald Trump travels to the Group of Seven summit in the French Alps, where the agreement is expected to be a key topic of discussion among world leaders.
Mr Trump has described the accord as a breakthrough that will help bring an end to the US conflict with Iran, which has lasted for about 15 weeks and contributed to rising global energy prices.
The agreement has received support from several international leaders.
French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed the deal, describing it as the result of diplomatic efforts involving multiple partners.
He called for its swift and full implementation and urged the rapid reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, saying unrestricted maritime traffic was essential for regional stability and the global economy.
Mr Macron also said France was prepared to contribute to discussions concerning Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programmes.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer also backed the agreement, saying attention should now focus on implementing the memorandum of understanding, ensuring the Strait of Hormuz remains open and finalising the details of the nuclear agreement. He said Britain stood ready to support the technical talks expected to follow.
However, questions remain over the wider regional implications of the deal.
According to Israeli news outlet Ynet, Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu told Mr Trump that Israel would not withdraw its troops from Lebanon and did not consider itself bound by parts of the agreement relating to Lebanon.
The report said Mr Netanyahu also indicated that Israel would continue responding to attacks by the Iran-backed Hezbollah group and would maintain military action against the organisation when necessary.
Ynet reported that Israel’s cabinet had given full backing to the prime minister’s position.
The planned Doha meetings are seen as a crucial step towards finalising the agreement, with negotiators seeking to resolve remaining issues before the formal signing and the start of implementation talks.
