Iranian negotiators have left talks with Qatari mediators aimed at ending the conflict with the United States, and a draft proposal is being circulated with a follow-up meeting possible, an official briefed on the talks said on Monday. The departure occurred on Sunday, and the official stated it was not due to difficulties in the negotiations.
The basis of the discussions is a seven-step plan that Iran drew up in September to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and end the U.S. naval blockade, with Tehran suggesting that proposal could be implemented on a faster timeline under a deal. Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei, said that deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi had been in Doha to facilitate the exchange of messages with Washington via Qatari intermediaries.
"Our demands have been articulated very clearly and transparently. These demands are reasonable and logical: no final agreement can be initiated, nor can the Strait of Hormuz be reopened or secured, unless the US naval blockade is brought to an end, Iran’s demands are respected, and Iran’s legitimate requirements are addressed," Baghaei stated.
Earlier, on Saturday, Qatar's Al Jazeera quoted Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi as saying that under a potential deal, the Strait of Hormuz could be opened within a two-day timeline, a faster pace than the seven days originally envisaged. Iran’s initial proposal had been rejected by U.S. President Donald Trump.
The latest diplomatic efforts come amid concerns that the conflict could escalate again following the upcoming midterm elections in the United States. Regarding Tehran's view on the midterms, Baghaei indicated that Iran did not expect the elections to bring about significant change in U.S. policy. Trump has previously stated that the United States would not launch new attacks on Iran before the vote and that talks with Tehran have been productive, though he has not ruled out further military action.