India, June 30 -- Uncertainty over the next round of negotiations between the United States and Iran, coupled with both sides trading strikes across the Persian Gulf in the recent days, has shrouded the interim deal signed by the countries earlier this month.

Washington and Tehran on Monday separately announced sending delegations to Qatar this week, with the US saying Iran had sought out the meeting. However, Iran denied any negotiations with the US "in the upcoming days" and said the next talks would depend on the implementation of the 14-point memorandum of understanding signed by both sides.

This comes after a military escalation between both nations involving exchange of fire over highly sensitive e maritime incidents in the Strait...