Iran appreciates Pakistan, Qatar’s mediation efforts amid fears of fresh US strikes

ISLAMABAD: Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi praised the mediation efforts of Pakistan and Qatar in an attempt to ease tensions with the United States (US) as regional powers work to prevent fresh hostilities following the US midterm elections.

Speaking to Al Jazeera on Saturday, Araghchi explained that Tehran has examined a letter from US Vice President JD Vance and outlined its conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a move he said could open the door to renewed talks with Washington.

Pakistan and Qatar have been at the forefront of navigating the protracted US‑Iran dispute that began in February. Iranian negotiators held discussions in Doha with Qatari mediators on Saturday, while Pakistan’s military chief made two trips to Tehran this month to engage regional defense officials and pursue a collective peace framework.

President Donald Trump has paused any planned strikes on Iran in recent weeks, weighing the impact of upcoming midterm elections on his Republican Party’s chances of retaining narrow majorities in both houses of Congress.

As IRA N reported on Saturday, Araghchi lauded Qatar and Pakistan for their ongoing outreach and noted Tehran’s stipulations for a resolution—including a lift of sanctions, unfreezing blocked assets, reducing the US military presence in the region, and halting hostilities across all fronts, notably in Lebanon.

A major source of contention between the two sides is the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime trade lane that carries roughly a fifth of global oil and LNG before the conflict.

Washington’s insistence that Iran first address its nuclear program has been a central sticking point; Tehran argues that any settlement should begin with restoring the Strait of Hormuz and securing a stable waterway.

Araghchi clarified that Iran’s current proposal to reopen the strait involves securing recognition for a new shipping corridor—established in cooperation with Oman—while closing other routes.

Senate Secretary Marco Rubio said Trump has not yet decided to launch additional strikes on Iran, preferring diplomatic resolution.

During the interview, Araghchi emphasized that Tehran does not rule out the possibility of a new war with the United States and remains prepared for all scenarios.

According to IRA N, Iran has upgraded its armament, tested new weapons, and maintained its forces at peak combat readiness.

Analysts in the region anticipate that a new wave of attacks could begin once the election results are counted. Iran has repeatedly assured that it would respond to any incoming strikes by targeting US and Israeli interests in adjacent territories.

In a statement, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei ordered the armed forces to stand ready to defend against any aggression, and the Iranian military subsequently announced steps to further enhance its readiness.

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