Iran pressed to make nuke concessions as massive post-midterms strikes loom

Three sources say that regional mediators, led by Qatar, are striving to negotiate a deal with the U.S. and Iran that would restart talks and avert war following the midterm elections. The Qatari negotiators are pushing Iran to permit UN inspectors to examine its bombed nuclear sites in exchange for some U.S. sanctions relief. An IDF chief of staff confirmed to the U.S. command that a massive barrage of attacks is anticipated shortly after the midterms, targeting Iranian leadership, energy, nuclear, and infrastructure.

President Trump acknowledged ongoing negotiations with Iran through mediators, emphasizing that the U.S. is committed to "finishing the job" either through diplomacy or force. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stressed Iran's openness to diplomacy. Qatar's mediation efforts involve Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkey, which have been mediating talks with Iran.

Qatari negotiator Ali al-Thawadi recently visited Tehran for discussions on a possible deal with the Trump administration, presenting suggestions for bridging the gap between U.S. demands and Iran's demands for sanctions relief. The Iranian side is expected to review the ideas in the coming days. Saudi officials conveyed to the White House that the Iranians are concerned about a potential U.S.-Israeli bombing operation after the midterms, urging the Trump administration to allow more time for negotiations.

One proposed solution is reviving the September 2025 agreement between Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency in Cairo. The agreement allowed UN inspectors to return to Iran's nuclear facilities, but it was suspended after the UN Security Council reintroduced sanctions a month later. The idea is that Iran could receive waivers to resume oil sales and access some frozen assets for humanitarian purposes, while the U.S. would receive some nuclear concessions.

However, the White House cautioned that the deal will be reviewed after Iran's response. The President warned that Iran has been "systematically destroyed," and unless it changes course, the conflict will soon be resolved.