The effort is to prevent a possible military conflict after the US midterm elections, Axios reported. The negotiations are to continue in Doha, Qatar, on Sunday as regional powers seek a diplomatic breakthrough. Qatari mediators held more than 12 hours of talks in Tehran on Friday to restart direct negotiations between the United States and Iran.
Such an operation could trigger retaliation against Israel and several Gulf nations, raising fears of a bigger conflict. One of the biggest obstacles remains the competing demands from Washington and Tehran. Iran, meanwhile, insists that the United States first ease its naval blockade, release frozen Iranian funds and allow Tehran to resume oil exports. “There are talks. They want to talk. They keep talking. We have time, frankly. “If he feels embarrassed or disenfranchised he will do something bold. That’s what everyone are telling the Iranians.
Washington is said to be only days away from deciding whether to launch military action against Iran according to Iran. Qatar is encouraging both sides to adopt reciprocal confidence-building measures over several days, according to US and diplomatic officials cited by Axios. A US official said the Trump administration wants Iran to make nuclear concessions before negotiations resume. The source said that “there has been positive progress. It’s a war, but it is not a typical war,” Trump told reporters. If Republicans lose badly in the midterm elections, Trump may be more likely to authorize a significant military strike, according to one Us official. Their best shot to get a deal is right now,” the official said.
President Donald Trump acknowledged on Friday that discussions were taking place but expressed caution about the prospects for a breakthrough.
They reportedly believe additional military pressure could further weaken the Iranian government. By contrast, Vice President J.D. Vance, special envoy Steve Witkoff and adviser Jared Kushner reportedly favor reviving negotiations. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is also urging Trump to continue his economic pressure campaign, known as Operation Economic Outcast.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio remain skeptical that Iran’s current leadership would accept a meaningful agreement, according to US officials.
