Middle East: Trump announces new Doha talks, Iran demurs

Middle East: Trump announces new Doha talks, Iran demurs June 30, 2026What you need to know - Washington and Tehran make conflicting statements on potential US-Iran talks in Qatar - Germany has urged for 'safe, free' passage through the Strait of Hormuz Here is a roundup of the latest news from the Middle East conflict on June 30, 2026: Tired of missing our real-time updates? Click here to add us as a Preferred Source on Google. Germany wants 'safe, free passage through the Strait of Hormuz' The German Foreign Ministry has warned that the Iranian war situation remains "fragile" and urged more talks between Washington and Tehran. "The agreement between the US and Iran to stop mutual attacks and continue to negotiate is an important step and opens a chance for diplomacy," German diplomats said on X. "Now, it is a matter of achieving a sustainable solution for the safe, free passage through the Strait of Hormuz, and, in particular, for the Iranian nuclear program, which must no longer pose a danger," it added. The statement comes after German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul held talks with his US counterpart, Marco Rubio, in Washington. Trump announces Qatar meeting but no confirmation from Tehran US President Donald Trump said US and Iranian delegations are due to hold talks in the Qatari capital, Doha, on Tuesday. "IRAN HAS REQUESTED A MEETING. IT WILL TAKE PLACE TOMORROW IN DOHA," Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform on Monday. He later said the meeting was "going to be perhaps important, perhaps not." Tehran, however, has rejected reports that talks with the US were imminent. The Iranian news agency ISNA quoted Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi as saying that a meeting would take place "as soon as the conditions are in place and agreement has been reached on the date and venue." "No technical working group meetings are scheduled for this week," the Iranian official added. However, he also confirmed there would be consultations via intermediaries. Welcome to our coverage You join our coverage of the conflict in the Middle East with the road to permanent peace once again appearing unclear. While US President Donald Trump says talks between US and Iranian delegations will be taking place in the Qatari capital, Doha, there has been no confirmation of this from Tehran. Hostilities recently flared up after the US accused Iran of attacking commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, but Washington says both sides have agreed to refrain from military actions for now. Differences still remain over the interpretation of a memorandum of understanding recently signed by Washington and Tehran. Iran wishes to control the Hormuz Strait, while the US maintains that the waterway must remain completely open under international maritime law. Follow us as we bring you key updates on the Iran war and the peace process throughout the day.