Axios, citing diplomatic sources, said Qatari mediators held more than 12 hours
of talks in Tehran on Friday seeking a deal to restart direct U.S.-Iran
negotiations and avert a post-midterm escalation; discussions will continue in
Doha on Saturday. A diplomatic source said the mediators kept regular contact
with the White House and described progress as positive, though both sides
remain engaged in trying to reach an agreement. Qatar is pressing Washington and
Tehran to agree on a package of reciprocal measures to be implemented within
days to enable a return to direct talks on Iran’s nuclear program and other
issues. A U.S. official said two mutually incompatible demands have blocked
progress: the Trump administration wants Iran to make nuclear concessions as a
condition for resuming talks, while Iran insists the U.S. must first lift a
maritime blockade, unfreeze funds and allow oil sales. Qatar is pushing Iran to
permit UN nuclear inspectors access to its damaged nuclear facility as a
confidence-building step; the U.S. seeks that in exchange for sanction relief.
