Iranian Negotiators Leave Doha Talks as Draft Proposal for US Deal Circulates

Iranian negotiators have left talks with Qatari mediators aimed at ending the conflict with the United States, an official briefed on the discussions said, while a draft proposal is being circulated and a follow-up meeting remains possible. The negotiators departed on Sunday, the official added, noting the exit was not caused by difficulties in the negotiations. No further details about the draft were disclosed.

Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei, said the basis of the discussions is a seven-step plan Tehran drafted in September to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and end the US naval blockade on Iran. According to the spokesperson, Tehran now suggests that this proposal could be implemented on a faster timeline as part of a deal.

Baghaei said deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi had been in Doha to help facilitate the exchange of messages with Washington through Qatari intermediaries. He described Iran's demands as clear, transparent, reasonable and logical, stating that no final agreement can be initiated, and the Strait of Hormuz cannot be reopened or secured, unless the US naval blockade is brought to an end, Iran's demands are respected and its legitimate requirements are addressed.

On Saturday, Qatari broadcaster Al Jazeera quoted Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi as saying that under a deal the Strait of Hormuz could be opened within a two-day timeline rather than the seven days originally envisaged. Iran's initial proposal was rejected by US President Donald Trump.

The latest diplomatic round comes amid concerns that the conflict could escalate again after Tuesday's midterm elections in the United States. Asked about Tehran's view on the midterms, Baghaei said Iran did not expect elections to "give birth to a new US."

Trump has said the United States would not launch new attacks on Iran before the vote and that talks with Tehran have been productive, though he has not ruled out further military action. The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical artery for global energy shipments, making any progress toward reopening it significant for international oil markets and economies worldwide.