Iranian officials have ended their latest round of talks with Qatari mediators over a possible agreement to end the conflict with the United States, as a draft proposal circulates and another meeting remains possible.
An official familiar with the negotiations said the Iranian delegation left Doha on Sunday, but stressed that their departure was not caused by any breakdown in the discussions. The official did not disclose details of the draft proposal.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei, said the negotiations were based on a seven-point plan Tehran prepared in September to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and secure an end to the US naval blockade against Iran.
He indicated that Iran was now proposing a faster implementation schedule as part of a possible agreement.
Baghaei confirmed that Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi had travelled to Doha to facilitate the exchange of messages between Tehran and Washington through Qatari intermediaries.
He said Iran had clearly communicated its conditions and would not agree to a final settlement or reopen the strategic waterway unless the US blockade was lifted and its demands addressed.
According to Baghaei, the terms sought by Tehran were reasonable and necessary for any lasting agreement.
Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araqchi, was quoted by Qatari broadcaster Al Jazeera on Saturday as saying that the Strait of Hormuz could be reopened within two days under a deal, rather than the seven-day period outlined in the original proposal.
However, US President Donald Trump had previously rejected Iran’s initial plan.
The diplomatic efforts come amid concerns that fighting could intensify after Tuesday’s US midterm elections. Asked whether Tehran expected the outcome of the vote to change Washington’s position, Baghaei said Iran did not believe the elections would produce a fundamentally different United States.
Trump has said Washington would not launch fresh attacks against Iran before the elections and described the ongoing negotiations as productive. However, he has not ruled out further military action if an agreement is not reached.
