Qatari mediators proposed a weeklong confidence-building plan for Washington and Tehran
Qatari mediators proposed a seven-day trust-building plan between the United States and Iran, an official told Reuters, as Iranian envoys met them amid the threat of renewed U.S. strikes. Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei ordered Iran’s armed forces to prepare an immediate response. Friday’s Tehran talks lasted more than 12 hours and were to continue in Doha Saturday.
More context
An official told Reuters that Qatari mediators put forward a weeklong confidence-building proposal for Washington and Tehran, while Iranian envoys met with them amid the threat of renewed U.S. strikes. The proposal comes after mediators held more than 12 hours of talks in Tehran on Friday aimed at restarting direct negotiations and avoiding renewed attacks. The discussions were expected to continue in Doha on Saturday, according to reports. A diplomatic source told Axios the mediators stayed in regular contact with the White House during Friday’s talks and described progress as positive. Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei ordered the armed forces to prepare an immediate response, Reuters reported. A statement on his Telegram account said any threat would draw an “immediate, impactful” and “geographically unrestricted” response. Donald Trump has left open resuming attacks after the Nov. 3 midterm elections.
Was this story useful?
What was the main problem? (optional)
Reporting
- The Jerusalem Post — Qatari mediators push Tehran to take steps towards deal with Washington | The Jerusalem Post
- Axios — Qataris hold marathon talks in Tehran in bid for U.S.-Iran deal before midterms
- CNBC — Qatar in talks with Iran to restart U.S. negotiations, source says
- Reuters — Iranian envoys meet Qatari mediators as threat looms of US strikes ...
Verifier’s note
Axios, CNBC, and Reuters report that Qatari mediators held talks with Iranian officials amid efforts to restart U.S.-Iran negotiations before the midterms. The Jerusalem Post also covers the talks but attributes its account to Axios.