Iran has expressed hope that the United States will pursue a diplomatic solution to their prolonged conflict, as Qatari mediators continue efforts to secure an agreement between the two countries amid fears of renewed military confrontation.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran remained open to diplomatic engagement, although the outcome of the mediation would depend on Washington’s response to questions and conditions raised by the Iranian government.
According to reports by Reuters and The Associated Press on Sunday, November 1, Iranian negotiators and Qatari mediators have held discussions in Doha for a third consecutive day, exploring possible arrangements to end the eight-month conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
The negotiations are taking place amid concerns that hostilities could resume after the November 3 US midterm elections.
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QATART INTENSIFIES MEDIATION EFFORTS
Qatar has emerged as a key intermediary in efforts to bring Washington and Tehran towards an agreement, with diplomatic consultations taking place in both Doha and Tehran.
The latest discussions reportedly focus on a proposal that could lead to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically important waterway through which a significant share of global oil shipments passes.
According to Al Jazeera, the proposed arrangement could allow the strait to reopen within two days of an agreement, potentially easing disruptions to international energy supplies.
Iran has reportedly attached several conditions to its proposal, including the lifting of US sanctions, the removal of restrictions affecting Iranian oil exports and changes to the American military presence in the region.
However, Tehran has maintained that it is not engaged in direct negotiations with Washington, with Qatar and other regional partners facilitating communication between the two sides.
US LEAVES MILITARY OPTION OPEN
Despite the diplomatic efforts, Washington has not ruled out the possibility of renewed military action against Iran.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said President Donald Trump had not made a final decision on whether to launch further strikes but preferred resolving the dispute through diplomacy.
“There are multiple talks. Talks have actually never stopped,” Rubio said, indicating that direct and indirect communication with Tehran remained ongoing.
He added that Trump would prefer a diplomatic settlement but remained confident in America’s military capabilities if further action became necessary.
Iran, meanwhile, has warned that any renewed American or Israeli attacks would attract retaliation.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei reportedly ordered the country’s armed forces to maintain a high level of preparedness, warning that any threat must receive an immediate and effective response.
The developments underscore the fragile nature of the diplomatic process, as regional mediators attempt to prevent another escalation that could further destabilize the Middle East and disrupt global energy markets.
