Key facts
- Iran and the US have agreed to a memorandum of understanding to halt the West Asia war.
- Iran's chief negotiator stated that over 40 million barrels of oil were exported in less than two weeks after a US blockade was lifted.
- Iranian officials are scheduled to meet with Qatari mediators for discussions with the US.
- Iran's chief negotiator emphasized that the country prioritizes diplomacy but is prepared for war.
Iran has announced significant oil exports following the lifting of a US blockade, according to its chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. Ghalibaf stated in an interview with state television that over 40 million barrels of oil had been exported in less than two weeks since the blockade was removed. This development follows a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Tehran and Washington to halt the West Asia war.
Iranian officials are expected to travel to Doha, Qatar, to meet with mediators for discussions with the United States. However, Qatar has indicated that no high-level meetings or direct talks between the two nations are planned, contradicting claims made by US President Donald Trump.
Meanwhile, Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are reportedly taking different approaches to President Trump's national security agenda, particularly concerning West Asia. Vance has been critical of Israel's actions, while Rubio has maintained support for Israel. Ghalibaf also emphasized that while Iran prioritizes diplomacy with the US, it remains prepared for war.