Iranian negotiators have left talks with Qatari mediators focused on ending the war with the United States, while a draft proposal is being circulated and another meeting could be held, an official briefed on the discussions said Monday.
The negotiators departed Sunday, but their exit was not linked to any problems in the talks, the official said. No further details about the draft proposal were provided.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said the negotiations are based on a seven-step plan Tehran prepared in September to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and end the US naval blockade of Iran. Iran has now suggested that the plan could be carried out on a faster timetable under a potential agreement.
Baghaei said Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi had traveled to Doha to help facilitate the exchange of messages between Tehran and Washington through Qatari intermediaries.
“Our demands have been articulated very clearly and transparently. These demands are reasonable and logical: no final agreement can be initiated, nor can the Strait of Hormuz be reopened or secured, unless the US naval blockade is brought to an end, Iran’s demands are respected, and Iran’s legitimate requirements are addressed,” Baghaei said.
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On Saturday, Qatari broadcaster Al Jazeera quoted Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi as saying that a deal could allow the Strait of Hormuz to reopen within two days, instead of the seven-day period outlined in the original proposal.
US President Donald Trump previously rejected Iran’s initial plan.
The latest diplomatic effort comes as concerns grow that the conflict could flare up again after Tuesday’s midterm elections in the United States.
Asked how Tehran viewed the US midterm elections, Baghaei said Iran did not expect them to “give birth to a new US.”
Trump has said the United States will not launch new attacks on Iran before the vote and that negotiations with Tehran have been productive. He has not, however, ruled out further military action.
