Qatari mediators engaged in marathon talks with Iranian officials in Tehran on Friday, continuing sustained efforts to revive direct US-Iran negotiations and avert a surge in military operations.
The mediators are urging Tehran and Washington to agree on immediate steps to restore both sides to the negotiating table, with Iran’s nuclear program among the key topics under discussion.
Qatar is reportedly proposing that United Nations inspectors visit Iran’s nuclear facilities, many of which sustained damage from recent strikes. Such inspections could serve as a confidence-building measure, potentially prompting the US to ease related sanctions.
A US official notes that competing demands have stalled progress, with Washington requiring nuclear concessions as a precondition for continued dialogue, while Tehran has insisted on lifting a naval blockade on Hormuz ports, releasing frozen funds, and easing sanctions before addressing nuclear issues.
A diplomatic source reports that Qatari mediators maintained contact with the White House throughout Friday’s talks, describing the exchanges as productive.
“Talks remain ongoing in an effort to broker a deal between the United States and Iran,” the diplomatic source added.
Reportedly, the discussions are set to resume in Doha, Qatar, on Saturday.
The talks unfolded as Washington considers the possibility of renewed strikes against Iran, ahead of US midterm elections scheduled for November 3.
Regional players including Egypt, Turkey, Iraq, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia have urged Iran to maintain momentum in negotiations ahead of the US midterm elections.
One US official suggests that President Donald Trump may be more inclined to authorize strikes on Iran if Republican performance in the midterms is weak.
“If he feels embarrassed or disenfranchised, he will take a bold step,” the official said, noting that “this is currently the best opportunity for Iran to secure a deal.”
A White House official countered that possibility, emphasizing that election outcomes will not influence Trump’s approach toward Iran.
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