Qatari mediators hold third day of Iran talks in Doha

Iranian negotiators met with Qatari mediators in Doha on Sunday, marking the third consecutive day of discussions aimed at ending the war between the US, Israel, and Iran. An official briefed on the talks confirmed the delegation's presence in the Qatari capital.

The diplomatic efforts occur while US President Donald Trump prepares for the November 3 midterm elections. Trump stated that the United States will not initiate new attacks on Iran before the vote and described the current talks with Tehran as productive. However, he indicated that further military action remains possible after the elections are concluded.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi told state media on Sunday that the consultations were ongoing and progressing. He added that Tehran is prepared for both defense and diplomacy. Araqchi noted that discussions regarding a two-day proposal were continuing, but no final conclusion had yet been reached.

Al Jazeera reported on Saturday that Iranian and Qatari negotiators developed a proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within two days of a potential agreement with Washington. The strait has been a focal point of disruption in global oil supplies since the conflict began eight months ago.

Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran's Supreme Leader, ordered the armed forces on Saturday to be prepared for any attack. Following this directive, the Iranian military announced steps to strengthen its readiness. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Saturday that President Trump has not decided whether to launch new strikes but prefers to resolve the conflict through diplomacy.

Qatari mediators traveled to Tehran on Friday for initial discussions with Iranian officials before moving the talks to Doha on Saturday. The official briefed on the process said the talks are being coordinated through regular contacts with Washington.

Araqchi said the Iranian side is doing its best in the process and hopes for rationality from the other side to prioritize diplomacy. He added that Iran has repeatedly stated it would respond to any new attacks by striking US and Israeli targets in neighboring countries.