Iran denounces US Middle East defence summit and rejects Doha negotiation claims

Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson Esmail Baqaei condemned a meeting held by U.S. Central Command commander Brad Cooper with defence leaders from Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen. He described the gathering as a "pose" intended to hide Washington's illegal behaviour and urged regional states to stay alert.

The ministry also rejected reports of talks with the United States in Doha, saying Tehran is concentrating on implementing the June 18 memorandum of understanding, which covers a ceasefire in Lebanon, respect for territorial sovereignty and the release of frozen Iranian assets. No negotiations are scheduled in the coming days.