Iran-U.S. deal remains elusive despite stepped-up Qatari mediation

A senior Iranian official told Reuters that Tehran and Washington remain far from an agreement to end the war despite intensified diplomatic efforts. Qatar said the two sides remain committed to mediation, while The Wall Street Journal reported that Arab countries warned Iran of an individual or collective response if it targets their facilities.

A senior Iranian official told Reuters on Tuesday that Iran and the United States remain far from reaching an agreement to end the war, despite intensive diplomatic efforts to prevent a return to a broader conflict after the U.S. midterm elections.

The official, who requested anonymity, said, “Mediators are working hard to narrow the gaps between Tehran and Washington,” after Qatari mediators traveled to Tehran on Monday evening to discuss a version of a draft U.S.-Iranian agreement that has been under negotiation for eight days. He added, “Tehran’s conditions must be met if the United States wants to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.”

Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Majed Al Ansari, said the United States and Iran remain committed to mediation efforts and are considering the proposals on the table. He noted that the Qatari team had returned to Doha but that talks were continuing, adding that “intensive joint regional efforts are underway to avoid escalation.”

رئيس البرلمان الإيراني محمد باقر قاليباف (صورة أرشيفية)

The United States carried out overnight strikes it described as “defensive” on Iran’s Qeshm Island. A U.S. official said the strikes targeted surface-to-air missiles used against U.S. assets, while another official said they were limited and did not signal a resumption of major combat operations. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said, “The ball is now in America’s court.”

The Wall Street Journal reported that some Arab countries warned Iran they could respond individually or collectively if Tehran targeted their infrastructure, as Gulf states prepare for the possibility of renewed U.S. strikes and an Iranian response. When asked on Monday whether he was considering striking Iran after the elections, U.S. President Donald Trump answered, “No,” adding that he believed Tehran wanted an agreement and that it “could happen.”

Oil prices rose by about $1 on Tuesday after falling more than 7% the previous day amid hopes of progress in the diplomatic track.

Iran-U.S. deal remains elusive despite stepped-up Qatari mediation