Qatari mediators hold 12-hour Tehran talks to revive US-Iran negotiations
Qatar is urging Washington and Tehran to take confidence-building steps to prevent military conflict following the US midterm elections.
Qatari mediators held discussions with Iranian officials in Tehran for more than 12 hours on Friday to restart direct talks between Washington and Tehran. The delegation was led by Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, a senior adviser to Qatar's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister.
According to Axios, the mediators remained in contact with the White House during the talks. While a source told the news outlet that positive progress has been made, both nations remain divided on the terms for resuming negotiations.
A US official stated that the Trump administration requires Iran to provide concessions regarding its nuclear programme before talks can restart. Conversely, Tehran wants the US to end its naval blockade, release frozen funds, and permit the resumption of oil exports.
The Trump administration is divided on how to approach Tehran. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed doubt that Iran's leadership would agree to a meaningful deal and suggested stronger military action.
Vice President JD Vance, special envoy Steve Witkoff, and adviser Jared Kushner support returning to negotiations. Meanwhile, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent wants to maintain economic pressure through a campaign called Operation Economic Outcast.
Tehran has warned that any strike on its energy infrastructure would lead to retaliation against oil and gas facilities in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain.