Efforts by Qatari mediators this week to achieve a diplomatic breakthrough between the United States and Iran have failed to make progress, as both sides remain committed to their demands and show little willingness to make concessions.
According to Axios, people familiar with the talks said the negotiations had reached a deadlock, warning that the continued lack of progress could pave the way for renewed military operations between the two sides.
Qatar Continues Mediation Despite Stalemate
Qatari officials are expected to continue their efforts to reach a diplomatic settlement despite frustration over the positions taken by Washington and Tehran.
Axios reported that U.S. President Donald Trump could order the resumption of military operations after the November midterm elections.
On September 28, the sides discussed a Qatari compromise proposal that included lifting the blockade on Iran in exchange for concessions from Tehran regarding its nuclear program, with U.S. Vice President JD Vance attending the discussions.
Qatari mediator Ali Al Thawadi also met with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and his team in New York on Monday in talks that lasted several hours. He later held discussions in Washington with Trump envoy Jared Kushner and other U.S. officials, with Vance briefly joining the meeting.
Disagreements Over Concessions
One source cited by Axios said the negotiations had made little progress, explaining that Iran had put forward demands that Washington considered unacceptable, while the United States believed it was in a position of strength and saw little reason to make concessions.
Earlier on Monday, U.S. officials had described the talks as positive and constructive, indicating that Trump was prepared to ease sanctions and release frozen Iranian funds in exchange for concrete steps by Tehran to limit its nuclear program.
Trump later denied that he had made any offer to Iran, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the negotiations.
Iran Seeks Return to Previous Understanding
According to Axios, regional mediators, including Pakistan and Egypt, urged Tehran to make concessions on the nuclear issue. Iran, however, reportedly conditioned any further progress on Washington’s return to a memorandum of understanding signed in June.
Iranian Supreme National Security Council Secretary Mohsen Rezaei said Tuesday that Iran had informed the United States of its conditions, while accusing Trump of being unable to make decisions.
Trump, meanwhile, told reporters that Iran would not be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon and added that Tehran would surrender.
Doha Vows to Continue Mediation
Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed Al Ansari said Tuesday that Qatari mediation efforts between Washington and Tehran were continuing and that Doha remained engaged in relaying messages between the two sides.
Al Ansari also expressed concern over the possibility of renewed escalation in the region as diplomatic efforts remain stalled and the two sides have yet to reach a mutually acceptable formula.
