Iranian negotiators held discussions in Doha with Qatari mediators on Saturday regarding pathways to de-escalate conflict in the Gulf, as diplomatic efforts intensify to prevent renewed hostilities following the upcoming US midterm elections.
The talks in the Qatari capital followed an extensive, over 12-hour session on Friday between Iranian and Qatari representatives in Tehran, according to a source familiar with the negotiations who spoke on condition of anonymity. These discussions are reportedly being coordinated with Washington.
Regional nations have been anticipating that US President Donald Trump, who has postponed potential strikes against Iran in the lead-up to Tuesday's elections, might resume military action post-voting. Iran has previously stated its intention to retaliate against new attacks by targeting US and Israeli interests in neighboring countries.
Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, issued a directive on Saturday for the armed forces to prepare for any attacks. The Iranian military subsequently announced measures to enhance its readiness, emphasizing that "any level or type of threat must be met with an immediate, impactful, and geographically unrestricted response." Khamenei reported high levels of preparedness among commanders along the Gulf coast, the Strait of Hormuz, the Gulf of Oman, and Iran's northwestern and southeastern borders.
Despite these escalations, diplomatic channels remain active. Vice President JD Vance recently sent a letter to a senior Iranian security official, which was characterized by The New York Times and Wall Street Journal as an attempt to explore the possibility of resuming talks. President Trump downplayed the initiative, stating it was solely intended to discuss facilitating medical supplies into Iran.
The Qatari-mediated proposal presented to Tehran last week, which outlined a seven-day plan for reciprocal confidence-building measures before broader peace talks, was reportedly not deemed satisfactory by Iran. Tehran has been advocating for its own seven-day plan since September, which calls for the lifting of a US blockade on Iranian ports, the unfreezing of assets, and the approval of an Iranian-backed route through the Strait of Hormuz, after which the waterway would be reopened. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi indicated on Saturday that Iran is reviewing Vance's letter and asserted that Iran's plan remains the sole proposal for reopening the strait.
