Gulf Officials Prepare for Worst as Qatari-Mediated US-Iran Talks Continue in Doha
Regional representatives across the Gulf are preparing for potential escalation while awaiting Washington’s reply to an Iranian initiative aimed at reopening the strategic strait of Hormuz prior to upcoming US midterm elections. The diplomatic process in Doha entered its third consecutive day on Sunday, with Qatari mediators working to secure the unfreezing of upwards of $6 billion in Iranian funds. A successful resolution could result in the resumption of the strait’s traffic and the revival of discussions concerning Iran’s nuclear capabilities.
Anwar Gargash, an envoy from the United Arab Emirates, stressed that further conflict benefits neither Tehran nor its neighbors, though he acknowledged that regional authorities remain prepared for unfavorable outcomes. Stressing the necessity of regional ties, Gargash stated a desire to prevent Tehran from becoming trapped in an extended crisis. Qatari mediation efforts persisted notwithstanding an incident on Friday involving an unidentified missile strike against a Qatari liquefied natural gas vessel heading toward Pakistan near the waterway, which occurred shortly after Tehran had granted the vessel direct safe-passage clearance.
To bridge a significant gap in mutual trust, Qatari intermediaries have pushed for a compressed timeline to resolve the dispute. Under this framework, the US would lift sanctions, leading directly to the reopening of the strait and the resumption of nuclear diplomacy by Iran. Tehran has shortened its proposed schedule from seven days down to two.
Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi stated that he anticipates Washington will favor diplomatic solutions over alternative measures, adding that Tehran stands prepared for either defense or diplomacy depending on American actions. While Araghchi is scheduled to travel to Turkmenistan and has not participated directly in the Doha discussions, other Iranian diplomats remain actively engaged. He confirmed that direct negotiations with Washington are not currently planned.
Meanwhile, Donald Trump remarked on Saturday that Washington has neutralized a substantial portion of Iran’s military capacity while maintaining that a small number of targets still require attention, as Tehran cautioned of retaliation against any aggression. Trump described ongoing discussions to conclude the conflict—initiated by the US and Israel in February—as progressing satisfactorily while expressing skepticism regarding Iranian reliability. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio affirmed American openness to diplomatic avenues, and Iranian security chief Mohsen Rezaei reported receiving a communication from US Vice President JD Vance aimed at restarting talks. Rezaei observed a more favorable American tone but indicated he has not yet replied.
Speaking to Al Jazeera, Araghchi detailed that Tehran proposed unlocking the strait within a 48-hour window if Washington removes the blockade on oil vessels, permits the release of frozen assets, and terminates sanctions targeting Iranian petroleum exports. Conversely, Ali Nikzad, the deputy speaker of the Iranian parliament, reiterated that his country refuses to address its nuclear activities under any form of pressure, noting that Tehran previously provided ample opportunities for negotiations on the matter.
Sources: The Guardian World
Aggregated summary. Original: The Guardian World