Iran, Qatar hold third day of talks over war

Iranian negotiators are in Doha for a third consecutive day of talks with Qatari mediators, according to an official briefed on the discussions. The goal is to push for a deal to end the US-Israeli war on Iran.

The talks come amid concerns that the conflict could escalate again after the US midterm elections on Tuesday. President Donald Trump stated the United States will not launch new attacks on Iran before the vote, though he has not ruled out further military action afterwards.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said the 'ongoing and progressing' talks aim to continue consultations with Qatari mediators, adding that Iran is prepared for 'both defence and diplomacy'. He mentioned discussions on a 'two-day proposal' to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, though no final conclusion has been reached.

Qatar had proposed shortening Iran's initial peace proposal from seven days to five, and discussions are now focused on reducing the timeline further to two days. Araqchi first presented the seven-day proposal to the US in September on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

The plan called for a ceasefire across the Middle East, an end to the US naval blockade, the lifting of sanctions on Iranian oil, and the release of frozen Iranian assets. In return, Iran would reopen the Strait of Hormuz and begin negotiations with the US on a comprehensive agreement.

Iran has repeatedly said it would respond to any new attacks by striking US and Israeli targets in neighbouring countries. The war has continued to disrupt global oil supplies and spill over across the Middle East. Araqchi expressed hope for rationality from the other side to prioritize diplomacy.