Qatari Mediators Return to Tehran in Renewed Push for US-Iran Deal to Avert US Strikes

TEHRAN, Oct 30: Qatari mediators returned to Tehran on Friday in a renewed diplomatic effort to secure an agreement to end the conflict between the United States and Iran, with the initiative being coordinated with Washington, Al Jazeera reported.

The latest diplomatic move comes amid efforts to revive negotiations that stalled over disagreements between Washington and Tehran, particularly concerning maritime security and freedom of navigation through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.

The renewed push follows a report by The Wall Street Journal on Wednesday that US Vice President JD Vance had sent a letter to Iranian security chief Mohsen Rezaei in an attempt to restart stalled negotiations.

Iran received the message but had not yet responded, a senior Iranian official told the semi-official Fars News Agency on Thursday.

The Qatari mediation initiative signals another attempt to bring both sides back to the negotiating table as tensions continue over the conflict and the security of vital regional shipping routes.

The United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran on Feb. 28, triggering Iranian retaliatory attacks against Israel and US positions across several Arab countries.

Washington and Tehran signed a framework agreement in June and subsequently began negotiations. However, the talks broke down over disagreements concerning freedom of navigation and security arrangements in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical corridor for global energy supplies and international trade.

The latest Qatari initiative is aimed at reviving diplomatic efforts to overcome the impasse and secure an agreement between the two sides.