Axios reports Qatar is leading mediation between the U.S. and Iran with support from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Turkey. Qatar negotiator Ali al-Thawadi visited Tehran earlier this week to discuss a potential deal with the Trump administration. Washington has demanded Iran surrender its enriched uranium stockpile; Iran insists the U.S. first lift a maritime blockade and release frozen Iranian funds. Mediators warned Iran that accepting such proposals could be the only way to avoid large-sc

Axios reports Qatar is leading mediation between the U.S. and Iran with support from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Turkey. Qatar negotiator Ali al-Thawadi visited Tehran earlier this week to discuss a potential deal with the Trump administration. Washington has demanded Iran surrender its enriched uranium stockpile; Iran insists the U.S. first lift a maritime blockade and release frozen Iranian funds. Mediators warned Iran that accepting such proposals could be the only way to avoid large-scale strikes after the U.S. midterms. Saudi, Turkish and Pakistani security officials conveyed the same message during recent visits to Tehran. A U.S. official said Saudi officials told the White House Iran fears U.S. and Israeli strikes after the midterms and asked Trump not to rush into war but to give negotiations more time.