Iranian envoys meet Qatari mediators as threat looms of US strikes after midterms

Iranian negotiators convened with Qatari mediators in Doha on Saturday to explore methods of resolving the ongoing conflict in the Gulf region, according to a Reuters source. The meeting occurred amid preparations for potential US strikes following the US midterm elections. Earlier, Iranian and Qatari diplomats engaged in over 12 hours of talks in Tehran on Friday. The discussions were coordinated with Washington.

The talks followed a warning from Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, who ordered the military to stand ready to respond to any attacks. Khamenei emphasized that any form of threat should prompt an immediate, impactful, and unrestricted response. Military readiness has been heightened along Iran's Gulf coast, the Strait of Hormuz, and Gulf of Oman, as well as its northern and southern borders.

Despite repeated threats from US President Donald Trump, who launched the war with Israel in February, there have been signals that he might reconsider his stance post-election. However, Washington remains open to diplomacy, as evidenced by Vice President Kamala Harris' letter to a senior Iranian security official last week. This letter, intended to explore the possibility of restarting talks, was downplayed by Trump, stating it was only to discuss the possibility of allowing additional medical supplies into Iran.

In the latest Qatari-mediated discussions, Qatar presented a seven-day plan to Tehran a week ago. The plan aimed to foster trust-building between the US and Iran through daily steps before potential broader peace talks. However, Iran rejected this proposal. Iran has long proposed its own seven-day plan, which calls for the US to lift the blockade on Iranian ports, unfreeze assets, and permit an Iranian-backed route through the Strait of Hormuz.

Once these conditions are met, the strait would be reopened. Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stated that Iran is currently reviewing Vice President Harris' letter.