Qatari mediators hold over 12 hours of talks aimed at renewing direct US-Iran negotiations - report
A diplomatic source told Axios that Qatari mediators were in contact with the White House over the course of Friday’s talks and that “there was positive progress" in the effort to reach a deal.
Qatari mediators convened an extensive 12-hour meeting with Iranian officials in Tehran on Friday, as ongoing diplomatic efforts aim to revive direct US-Iran negotiations and avert potential military escalation, according to an Axios report. The Qataris are urging both parties to commit to specific actions that could be enacted within days to reinitiate negotiations over matters such as Iran's nuclear program.
The Qataris are advocating for UN inspections of Iran's nuclear facilities, which have suffered extensive damage from US and Israeli strikes, as a confidence-building measure that could prompt a US response in the form of sanctions relief. A US official told Axios that conflicting demands from both sides have stalled progress. While the US insists on nuclear concessions before talks resume, Iran demands the removal of a US naval blockade on its Hormuz Strait ports, the release of frozen funds, and sanctions easing before the nuclear issue can be addressed.
A diplomatic source told Axios that Qatari mediators were in communication with the White House throughout Friday's talks, stating that "there was positive progress," and that "talks are still ongoing in an effort to unlock a deal between the US and Iran." The discussions are set to continue on Saturday in Doha, Qatar. Meanwhile, Washington is contemplating the potential for renewed military strikes against Iran ahead of the November 3 midterm elections.
Some countries, including Egypt, Turkey, Iraq, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia, have urged Iran to persist in negotiations prior to the midterms. A US official suggested that President Donald Trump might be more inclined to order strikes on Iran if Republicans underperform in the election, believing that such an action would be bold.
However, a White House official refuted this notion, asserting that the election outcome will not influence Trump's decision regarding Iran.
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