Iranian negotiators have left Doha following discussions with Qatari mediators aimed at ending the ongoing war involving the United States and Iran, as diplomatic efforts continue with a draft agreement reportedly being circulated for feedback.
An official familiar with the negotiations said on Monday that the Iranian delegation departed Qatar on Sunday, stressing that its departure was not caused by difficulties in the discussions.
The official added that a draft proposal was being circulated among relevant parties for consideration, with the possibility of another meeting as diplomatic efforts continue.
IRAN MAINTAINS CONDITIONS FOR AGREEMENT
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said Tehran’s existing seven-step proposal, developed in September, remained the foundation of discussions.
The initiative focuses on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and ending the United States naval blockade against Iran, with Tehran suggesting that the proposed arrangements could be implemented within a shorter timeframe under a potential agreement.
Baghaei said Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi had travelled to Doha to facilitate the exchange of messages between Tehran and Washington through Qatari intermediaries.
He maintained that Iran’s conditions remained unchanged, insisting that the blockade must be lifted and Tehran’s demands addressed before an agreement could be reached.
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“Our demands have been articulated very clearly and transparently. These demands are reasonable and logical,” Baghaei said, adding that the Strait of Hormuz could not be reopened or secured without addressing Iran’s requirements.
HORMUZ PROPOSAL OFFERS POSSIBLE BREAKTHROUGH
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi reportedly said the proposed arrangement could allow the Strait of Hormuz to reopen within two days, rather than the seven-day period initially envisaged.
The waterway remains a critical international shipping route, particularly for global oil supplies, and its disruption has contributed to instability across energy markets.
However, United States President Donald Trump previously rejected Iran’s initial proposal, highlighting continuing disagreements over the terms and sequence of any settlement.
DIPLOMACY CONTINUES AS FEARS OF WAR GROW
The latest diplomatic contacts come amid fears that hostilities could intensify following Tuesday’s US midterm elections.
Trump has said Washington would not launch fresh attacks against Iran before the elections and described negotiations with Tehran as productive, although he has not ruled out further military action afterwards.
Iran, meanwhile, has maintained that it remains prepared for diplomacy while warning that renewed attacks would trigger retaliation against American and Israeli targets in neighbouring countries.
Although the departure of Iranian negotiators has not been presented as a breakdown in discussions, the circulation of a draft proposal and the possibility of another meeting suggest that diplomatic efforts remain ongoing. No final agreement has been announced.
