Skip to content
Newsheir
World

Iran and Qatari mediators report progress in Doha talks, but no deal yet

After three days of talks, officials described preliminary understandings on Iran's nuclear programme, shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and economic incentives, but deep disagreements remain.

By Newsheir Staff, Newsroom

· 2 min read

ShareXLinkedInBlueskyEmail
In this article
  1. Signs of progress
  2. The obstacles
  3. Pressure from Washington
  4. Why the world is watching

Iranian negotiators and Qatari mediators held a third straight day of talks in Doha on Sunday, November 1, aimed at ending the eight-month war between the United States, Israel and Iran, but officials said no agreement had been reached.

"We have not reached a final deal," a senior official said, according to Reuters.

Signs of progress

Reports said the talks had produced preliminary understandings on several issues: Iran's nuclear programme, shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, and possible economic incentives for Tehran. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described the talks as "ongoing and progressing".

One proposal reportedly would see the United States lift sanctions before Iran reopens the strait and resumes nuclear discussions.

The obstacles

Big gaps remain. Iran says the Strait of Hormuz, through which a large share of the world's oil normally flows, cannot reopen until the US naval blockade of Iran ends and its "legitimate demands" are met. Washington's priority is Iran's nuclear programme.

Iranian officials have also pushed back on including the nuclear issue in the Qatar-mediated talks. Iran's deputy parliamentary speaker said Tehran would not negotiate over it, and the editor of the hardline newspaper Kayhan said Iran had rejected US proposals to put the programme on the table.

The two sides have not agreed to direct talks. Araghchi said there were no current plans for them, despite a US proposal for negotiations led by Vice President JD Vance.

Pressure from Washington

President Donald Trump has said the United States will not carry out new strikes on Iran before the US midterm elections on Tuesday, November 3, but has not ruled out military force afterwards. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the president had not decided and preferred a diplomatic solution. Iran has warned that any renewed attack would trigger retaliation against US and Israeli targets in the region.

Why the world is watching

The war has driven oil prices to their highest levels since April, hitting consumers and economies far from the Gulf. A deal that reopens Hormuz would ease energy prices worldwide, while a breakdown in talks after the US elections could mean renewed fighting. The coming days, and the period immediately after Tuesday's vote, may prove decisive.

Sources and references

  1. 1.Qatari mediators held talks in Tehran aimed at restarting direct U.S.-Iran negotiations — CNBC / Reuters
  2. 2.Live: Tanker hit off Saudi Persian Gulf port amid Iran-US mediation efforts — Iran International
  3. 3.Iran and Qatar hold third day of talks to end US-Iran war — Reuters via Free Press Kashmir

AI disclosure This article was drafted with the help of AI tools and was reviewed, fact-checked and edited by our editors before publication. See our AI policy for details. How we use AI.

Spotted an error? Request a correction. Read our editorial standards.

Related coverage

Format: News