Qatari mediators in Tehran for 'last-ditch' bid at Iran-US deal amid Trump administration split

Qatari mediators arrived in Tehran on Friday as part of a final push to secure a temporary Iran-US agreement, amid growing tensions between Washington and Tehran. Gulf states are intensifying their efforts to break the deadlock in negotiations, with fears of renewed US strikes on Iran. US President Donald Trump appears open to both an agreement and the resumption of strikes, while US special envoy Jared Kushner and presidential adviser Jared Kushner are pushing for a deal.

However, some, including Pete Hegseth, oppose the negotiations. An Iranian official stated that the next two days will be crucial in determining the outcome, with the US holding all the cards and likely to make a decision that is best for the country. White House officials claim the US is in a strong position, but President Trump's stance remains uncertain.

Gulf leaders are calling for de-escalation, with the UAE urging intensified diplomatic efforts and the formation of a security pact involving Iran and Iraq. Democratic Senator Chris Murphy criticized US plans to resume strikes after the elections, describing them as "insane" and likely to lead to "devastating escalation." Gulf states have bolstered their defenses by increasing purchases from the US and turning to other partners, including Turkey and South Korea.

Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Defense, and representatives of Mecca Joint Defense Agreement states visited Tehran to support Qatari-Pakistani mediation.