Iranian negotiators held a third consecutive day of talks with Qatari mediators in Doha on Sunday, seeking a deal to end the eight-month war with the United States and Israel, an official briefed on the discussions told Reuters.
The diplomatic push comes amid fears that fighting could intensify after the US midterm elections on November 3.
President Donald Trump has pledged not to launch fresh attacks on Iran before the vote and has described talks with Tehran as productive. However, he has left open the possibility of further military action after the elections.
Tehran has repeatedly warned that any renewed attacks would trigger strikes against US and Israeli targets in neighbouring countries. The conflict has disrupted global oil supplies and spread instability across the Middle East.
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, ordered the country’s armed forces on Saturday to prepare for possible attacks. The Iranian military subsequently announced measures to strengthen its readiness.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated on Saturday that Trump had yet to decide whether to order further strikes against Iran, although his preference was to end the conflict through diplomacy.
Qatari mediators travelled to Tehran on Friday for discussions with Iranian officials before the negotiations moved to Doha on Saturday, according to an official familiar with the talks.
The official added that the diplomatic efforts were being coordinated through regular contacts with Washington.
(Reuters)
