Iran and Qatar enter third day of Doha talks to end US war
Negotiators are working on a two-day plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz amid fears of escalation after US midterms.
By Marina Weber ·
Three consecutive days of negotiations are under way in Doha as Iranian and Qatari officials work toward a deal to end the US-Israeli war on Iran. An official briefed on the discussions told Reuters that the talks aim to secure a framework for a ceasefire before the November 3 US midterm elections.
The timing creates pressure on both sides. President Donald Trump has stated that the United States will not launch new attacks on Iran before the vote. He described the talks as productive but left open the possibility of further military action after the election.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said the purpose of the ongoing consultations is to continue discussions with Qatari mediators. He told state media that Tehran is prepared for both defense and diplomacy. Araqchi noted that negotiations on a two-day proposal are continuing, though no final conclusion has been reached yet.
Al Jazeera quoted Araqchi as saying on Saturday that Iranian and Qatari negotiators developed a plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within two days of a potential agreement with Washington. The strait is a critical chokepoint for global oil supplies. The eight-month-old conflict has already disrupted energy markets and spilled over across the Middle East.
Araqchi said Iran is doing its best in the process and hopes the other side prioritizes diplomacy over other paths. He added that Iran has repeatedly said it would respond to any new attacks by striking US and Israeli targets in neighboring countries.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei ordered the armed forces to be prepared for any attack on Saturday. The military later announced steps to strengthen its readiness. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Saturday that Trump has not decided whether to launch new strikes but would prefer a diplomatic resolution.
Qatari mediators were in Tehran on Friday for discussions with Iranian officials. They moved the talks to Doha on Saturday. An official said the talks are being coordinated in regular contacts with Washington.
Source: KOYY
