Axios: Talks with Iran ongoing and positive progress made
Amman2 min read
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Axios quoted a diplomatic source confirming that positive progress has been achieved during the negotiations, which are overseen by a Qatari mediation delegation and are still ongoing in an attempt to reach an agreement between the United States and Iran.
An American official explained to Axios that two conflicting demands have hindered the talks so far; as President Donald Trump's administration insists that Iran make nuclear concessions as a condition for resuming negotiations, while Iran stipulates that the United States must first lift the naval blockade, release frozen funds, and allow it to sell oil.
The source stated that Vice President JD Vance and Trump's envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, want to resume negotiations, but Trump remains skeptical about the possibility of Iran agreeing to any deal he deems acceptable.
In a broader context, Axios reported, citing a regional source, that countries in the region—such as Egypt, Turkey, Iraq, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia—are urging Iran to agree to resume negotiations before the midterm elections.
A US official pointed out that Trump might be more inclined to order a large-scale military operation in the event that the Republican Party suffers a crushing defeat in the midterm elections.
The official said: "If Trump feels embarrassed or marginalized, he will take a bold step. This is what everyone is telling the Iranian side, so their best chance to reach a deal is now."
In contrast, a White House official stated that the election results will not be a determining factor in Trump's decision-making process regarding Iran.
Over the past few days, the leaders of Saudi Arabia and Turkey have both urged Trump to allow more time for diplomacy.
Qatari mediators held talks in Tehran lasting for more than 12 hours on Friday, in an effort to reach an agreement that paves the way for resuming direct negotiations between the United States and Iran, and avoiding the outbreak of a war in the wake of the US midterm elections, according to diplomatic sources.
A diplomatic source stated that the Qatari mediators were in constant contact with the White House throughout Friday's full-day session.
These discussions are scheduled to continue in the Qatari capital, Doha, on Saturday.
The United States is now just days away from a potential military operation that could inflict severe damage on Iran, and is likely to trigger retaliatory strikes targeting countries in the region.
