Negotiators from Iran and mediators from Qatar are engaged in intensive talks in Doha, now in their third consecutive day. The discussions aim to de-escalate the ongoing U.S.-Israeli war on Iran and potentially reach an agreement before the upcoming U.S. midterm elections.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi indicated progress, stating Tehran is prepared for diplomacy and defense, with proposals including the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. However, no final conclusion has been reached amidst heightened regional tensions and Iran’s military readiness.
Doha, Qatar - Iranian negotiators have been in Doha for three consecutive days of crucial talks with Qatari mediators, aiming to broker a deal to end the protracted U.S.-Israeli war on Iran. The high-stakes discussions come amid growing anxieties that the conflict could reignite following the U.S. midterm elections on November 3rd.
A woman walks past a mural bearing the Iranian national flag in Tehran on October 26, 2026. (Atta Kenare | Afp | Getty Images)
U.S. President Donald Trump has indicated that the United States will refrain from launching new attacks on Iran prior to the elections, describing previous talks with Tehran as productive. However, he has not ruled out the possibility of further military action in the aftermath of the vote.
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stated on Sunday that the primary objective of these ongoing and progressing discussions is to continue consultations with the Qatari mediators. He emphasized Tehran's readiness for both defensive and diplomatic measures.
Speaking to state media, Araqchi revealed that discussions are underway concerning a 'two-day proposal,' although a definitive conclusion has yet to be reached. In an interview with Al Jazeera on Saturday, Araqchi was quoted as saying that Iranian and Qatari negotiators have formulated a proposal to potentially reopen the Strait of Hormuz within two days of a theoretical agreement with Washington.
The ongoing eight-month conflict has significantly disrupted global oil supplies and created instability across the Middle East. Iran has consistently warned that it would retaliate against any new attacks by targeting U.S. and Israeli interests in neighboring countries.
"We are doing our best in this process, and we hope that there is rationality on the other side so that they prioritize diplomacy over other paths," Araqchi remarked regarding the talks with Qatari officials.
Adding to the tense climate, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei issued an order on Saturday for the armed forces to maintain a state of readiness for any potential attack. Subsequently, the military announced measures to bolster its preparedness.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio mentioned on Saturday that President Trump has not yet made a decision on launching further strikes against Iran, but expressed a preference for a diplomatic resolution to the conflict.
Qatari mediators were initially in Tehran on Friday for discussions with Iranian officials before relocating the talks to Doha on Saturday, according to an official familiar with the matter who spoke to Reuters. These negotiations are reportedly being coordinated through regular channels with Washington.
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