Iranian Delegation Leaves Qatar After US Peace Talks, Draft Proposal Still Under Discussion

Iranian representatives have left negotiations mediated by Qatar aimed at ending the war with the United States. However, their departure does not mean the talks have collapsed, as discussions over a draft proposal between the two countries are still ongoing. Another meeting may also take place in the future, an official familiar with the negotiations said on Monday.

The official said the Iranian delegation left Qatar on Sunday but did not depart because of any complications in the negotiations. He did not provide further details about the draft proposal.

A spokesperson for Iran's Foreign Ministry said the negotiations were based on a seven-point plan prepared by Tehran last September. The plan aims to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and end the US naval blockade against Iran.

Tehran now believes the plan could be implemented more quickly under a potential agreement.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi had been in Doha to facilitate the exchange of messages with Washington through Qatari mediators.

“Our demands have been presented in an extremely clear and transparent manner. These demands are reasonable and logical. Unless the US naval blockade is lifted, Iran's demands are respected and the country's legitimate needs are met, it will not be possible to begin negotiations on a final agreement. It will not even be possible to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or ensure security there,” Baghaei said.

Earlier, Qatar-based broadcaster Al Jazeera reported on Saturday, citing Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, that the Strait of Hormuz could be reopened within two days instead of seven if an agreement is reached.

However, US President Donald Trump had previously rejected Iran's initial proposal.

The latest diplomatic efforts come amid concerns that the conflict could intensify again following the US midterm elections, scheduled for Tuesday.

Asked about Tehran's position on the elections, Baghaei said Iran did not expect the vote to produce “a new United States.”

Trump has said Washington will not launch fresh attacks on Iran before the elections. He has also claimed that negotiations with Tehran have been productive.

However, the US president has not completely ruled out the possibility of further military action against Iran.