Qatar Works to Keep Iran at the Table as Trump Pressures Tehran Ahead of Elections
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Qatari mediators spent more than a dozen hours in Tehran urging Iran and the United States toward practical confidence-building steps, while U.S. officials considered how the upcoming midterm elections and President Donald Trump’s resolve could affect policy.
Qatari envoys held a marathon 12-hour session with Iranian officials in Tehran on Friday, working to revive direct negotiations between the United States and Iran and to prevent a renewed cycle of military action. The mediators are urging both sides to adopt short-term measures, such as allowing United Nations inspectors access to nuclear facilities damaged in recent strikes, steps that could create an opening for possible sanctions relief.
A U.S. official said progress has stalled because each side is holding firm to pre-conditions: Washington wants nuclear concessions before moving ahead with further talks, while Tehran is demanding the lifting of the naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, the release of frozen assets and broader sanction relief before addressing its nuclear program.
"Talks are still ongoing in an effort to unlock a deal between the US and Iran," a diplomatic source told Axios, adding that Qatari mediators were in contact with the White House throughout the Friday discussions and that "there was positive progress."
The parties plan to reconvene in Doha on Saturday. The talks come as Washington weighs the option of renewed strikes against Iran ahead of the November 3 midterm elections, a period during which several regional countries, including Egypt, Turkey, Iraq, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, have urged Iran to stay at the negotiating table.
"If he feels embarrassed or disenfranchised, he will do something bold. That's what everyone is telling the Iranians. Their best shot to get a deal is right now," a U.S. official said, referring to President Donald Trump.