Qatar Mediators Hold Marathon Talks in Tehran, Draft Proposal on Uranium Stockpile

A Qatari mediating delegation arrived in Tehran on Friday (October 30) and held more than 12 hours of marathon talks aimed at reviving negotiations between the United States and Iran, US outlet Axios reported.

Iran's state news agency IRNA said the delegation, led by a senior adviser to Qatar's prime minister and foreign minister, travelled to Tehran in coordination with Washington to work toward restoring a ceasefire. The talks are seen as significant amid ongoing bilateral tensions.

Al Arabiya English reported that a draft framework was proposed under which Iran's highly enriched uranium stockpile would be moved to an agreed third country or the enrichment level reduced, and the Strait of Hormuz would be reopened to international shipping within seven days of a preliminary agreement. China was named as a guarantor of implementation. The talks could also be held directly in Doha instead of Istanbul.

The Wall Street Journal reported that US Vice President JD Vance sent a letter to Iran's security official Mohsen Rezaei; Iran's Tasnim news agency said Tehran received the letter but has not responded. Iran's parliament speaker said progress depends on seven conditions set by Tehran. Washington wants nuclear talks first; Tehran wants the port blockade lifted and oil export sanctions removed first.

President Donald Trump said Washington is in no hurry to end the war with Iran, while the US is increasing its military presence in Israel and across the Middle East. Mediators hope for a deal before the November 3 US midterm elections.