Adnkronos (Adnkronos) – Efforts by Qatari mediators this week to foster a diplomatic breakthrough between the United States and Iran have made little progress, as neither side has shown any willingness to give in. Axios reports, citing sources familiar with the talks, noting that the stalemate reinforces the belief on both sides that renewed military conflict is becoming more likely.
U.S. officials believe President Trump may order the resumption of major combat operations after the midterm elections. According to two sources, Qatari officials will continue to try, but are increasingly frustrated on both sides. Qatari mediator Ali al-Thawadi met with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and his delegation in New York on Monday for several hours.
A well-informed source said they discussed a two-page Qatari compromise proposal.
According to two other sources, Qatar's plan was aimed at satisfying both Iran's demand for the lifting of the US naval blockade and the United States' demand for concessions on Iran's nuclear program.
On Monday evening, al-Thawadi met in Washington with Trump's envoy Jared Kushner and other US officials. Vice President Vance also attended a brief portion of the meeting. On Monday, US officials told several news outlets that the talks were "positive and constructive" and that Iran "showed flexibility on the nuclear issue." Officials even stated that Trump was willing to grant Iran sanctions relief and release frozen funds in exchange for concrete measures to scale back its nuclear program.
But a few hours later, while Qatari officials were still at the White House, Trump posted on Truth Social that he had not offered Iran anything. One of the sources said there had been no significant progress in the talks on Monday. "The situation is at a standstill. The Iranians are demanding things the United States cannot accept, and the United States thinks it has the upper hand, so there is no room for compromise," the source said.
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