Qatari mediators hold over 12 hours of talks aimed at renewing direct US-Iran negotiations - report

A diplomatic source told Axios that Qatari mediators were in contact with the White House over the course of Friday’s talks and that “there was positive progress" in the effort to reach a deal.

Qatari mediators spent over 12 hours in talks with Iranian officials in Tehran on Friday as they continue marathon efforts to reignite direct US-Iran negotiations and prevent the outbreak of renewed military operations, according to an Axios report.

The mediators are reportedly pushing Tehran and Washington to agree on steps that could be implemented in the coming days to bring both countries back to the negotiating table for discussions on issues, including Iran’s nuclear program.

According to Axios, the Qataris are trying to sell Iran on allowing United Nations inspectors to visit nuclear sites, many of which were heavily damaged by US and Israeli strikes. The inspections could act as a confidence-building measure that the US may respond to with the relaxation of sanctions. 

A US official told Axios that competing demands from both sides have stagnated progress. The US has insisted that nuclear concessions must be made before talks continue, while Iran’s demands include the lifting of a US naval blockade on Iranian ports along the Strait of Hormuz, the release of frozen funds, and the easing of sanctions before the nuclear topic can be touched.

A diplomatic source, however, said to Axios that Qatari mediators were in contact with the White House over the course of Friday’s talks and that “there was positive progress.” 

“Talks are still ongoing in an effort to unlock a deal between the US and Iran,” the source added.

The discussions will reportedly resume in Doha, Qatar, on Saturday.

Washington weighing renewed strikes as midterm elections approach

Friday’s talks came as Washington is weighing the possibility of renewed strikes against Iran ahead of US midterm elections set for November 3.

According to Axios, countries like Egypt, Turkey, Iraq, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia have pushed for Iran to continue negotiations before the midterms.

One US official said that US President Donald Trump may be more motivated to order strikes on Iran if Republicans do poorly in the election.

"If he feels embarrassed or disenfranchised, he will do something bold. That's what everyone is telling the Iranians. Their best shot to get a deal is right now," the official told Axios.

A White House official disputed that possibility, saying that the election results will not factor into Trump’s decision about Iran.