Qatari mediators return to Tehran as US says deal with Iran is close

TEHRAN: Qatari mediators have again arrived in Tehran to pave the way for a final agreement between Washington and Tehran. US officials have claimed that the two countries have come very close to a deal.

A senior official familiar with the talks told Reuters that the Qatari mediators’ visit is taking place with the consent and consultation of US officials. Earlier, Qatar had presented a draft peace plan to Iran. However, a senior Iranian official had called the initial proposals unacceptable and made it clear that Tehran would not back down from its position.

Differing priorities

The two sides have different priorities for the agreement. Washington insists on including the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz on the agenda of the talks. Tehran’s main demand is that the United States first end the blockade of Iranian ports and lift all sanctions on oil exports.

Iranian Foreign Minister Syed Abbas Araghchi has said that Tehran is in constant contact with the mediators to ensure the implementation of their offer, which aims to end the war in the region.

US President Donald Trump has confirmed that Vice President JD Vance’s recent contacts with Iran were related to medical aid and humanitarian matters.

US ambassador’s position

Tom Barrack, the US ambassador in Istanbul and Donald Trump’s special envoy for Syria and Iraq, told CNN he hoped that important and clear steps would be taken in the next two weeks to reduce the intensity of military clashes. He said, “We have come so close that we can say, let us take a pause and reduce the intensity of tension.”

No comprehensive or final agreement is possible immediately, but a pause in hostilities and attacks could pave the way for further talks and new regional arrangements.

Tom Barrack made special mention of the efforts of Qatar, Pakistan and other allied countries on the diplomatic progress. According to him, all these countries have undoubtedly played a key role in building consensus between Washington and Tehran on the political process and dialogue.

He added that the use of military force is an extreme step which President Donald Trump and the US government take seriously. However, he said, all diplomatic and alternative routes are currently being pursued so that war and the use of force can be avoided.