Axios reports Iran and U.S. officials continue negotiations via Qatari
intermediaries despite recent exchanges of fire. Over the past two days Iranian
and U.S. officials held parallel meetings in Doha with Qatari mediators. Qatar
attempted to convene a trilateral session to resolve remaining differences
directly; Iran declined. Qatari mediators traveled to Tehran on Wednesday to
meet Iran’s foreign minister and other officials to try to revive talks. Two
U.S. officials said they hoped Tuesday’s strike would prompt Iran to act and
respond to Trump’s proposal, and that Trump’s threats are part of the same
pressure strategy. One U.S. official said: "The deal remains on the table, but
if Iran continues to delay and respond passively, the president is ready to make
Iran pay."
