Iranian negotiators were in Doha on Sunday for a third consecutive day of talks with Qatari mediators aimed at pushing for a deal to end the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran, according to an official briefed on the discussions.
Diplomatic Efforts Amid Election Concerns
The discussions take place amid concerns that the conflict could escalate again following the Nov. 3 U.S. midterm elections. U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the United States will not launch new attacks on Iran prior to the vote and described discussions with Tehran as productive, while stopping short of ruling out future military action afterward.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stated on Sunday that the objective of the ongoing and progressing negotiations was to maintain consultations with the Qatari mediators. He added that Tehran remains prepared for both defense and diplomacy.
In statements to state media, Araqchi explained that talks concerning a two-day proposal were ongoing, though a final conclusion has not yet been reached. Al Jazeera reported that Araqchi stated in an interview on Saturday that negotiators from Iran and Qatar formulated a proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within two days following a potential agreement with Washington.
Regional Tensions and Military Readiness
Iran has consistently warned that it will respond to any fresh attacks by targeting U.S. and Israeli assets in neighboring countries, as the ongoing eight-month conflict continues to disrupt global oil supplies and impact the wider Middle East.
Araqchi remarked on the talks with Qatari officials that the country is doing its utmost in the process and hopes the opposing side demonstrates rationality by prioritizing diplomacy. On Saturday, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei instructed the armed forces to prepare for any potential attack, and the military subsequently announced measures to bolster its preparedness.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on Saturday that President Trump has not yet made a decision regarding new strikes against Iran and would favor a diplomatic resolution to the conflict. Qatari mediators initially met with Iranian officials in Tehran on Friday before relocating the discussions to Doha on Saturday, with an official noting that the talks are coordinated through regular contacts with Washington.
