US and Iran quietly negotiate as Middle East remains on edge

US President Donald Trump has given his clearest indication yet that intensified diplomacy could avert another major round of fighting with Iran, following his party's heavy losses in Tuesday's midterm elections. Trump said renewed US military attacks are “highly unlikely” if Tehran makes progress toward an agreement on its nuclear program and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. He also told CBS’ “60 Minutes” that he was “not looking to” escalate the war.

After meeting Qatar’s prime minister, Trump said he does not believe additional military action against Iran is necessary for now. “At this point, it won’t be necessary, taking the military action,” Trump said during a surprise appearance in the White House briefing room. He added that the military option remains available: “Should there be any change with respect to developments in the Middle East, the United States of America is fully locked and loaded.”

The talks

Iran and the United States have quietly been negotiating a sensitive agreement that could avert a return to all-out war and open the door to broader talks. Qatar is mediating and circulating a framework document that both Washington and Tehran are amending. The process has been underway for weeks, possibly months, but has intensified in recent days amid fears of fresh strikes.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Sunday that he “wouldn’t say we’re on the verge of a breakthrough.” He said Iran’s demands were “simply not just unacceptable, but in some cases outrageous and ridiculous and really not realistic.”

Key demands

Trump seeks to eliminate Iran’s nuclear program, which Tehran sees as a matter of national sovereignty. Publicly, Iran says it will not negotiate over the program or reopen the Strait of Hormuz unless seven preconditions are met, including ending the war on “all fronts” and lifting a maritime blockade. The specifics have yet to be made public.

Hundreds of kilograms of highly enriched uranium remain hidden somewhere in Iran. Reports indicate that Washington wants the uranium diluted or transferred to another country for safekeeping.

Iran wants relief from US sanctions that have made it increasingly difficult to sell crude on global markets, and the release of billions of dollars in Iranian assets held in foreign banks that remain frozen. Iran also wants compensation from the US for the killing of its top military commanders in airstrikes at the start of the US-Israeli war on Iran in late February.

Risks

There have been some attacks, but both sides have played them down, a possible sign that neither wants to derail the talks. Some reports say the talks have moved closer to agreement and that Iran is willing to re-engage on its nuclear program, though there has been no independent confirmation.

Vessels carrying oil and gas through the Strait of Hormuz continue to come under Iranian attack. The US has offered a reward of up to $20 million for information on Iran’s nuclear program and has launched a task force aimed at blocking Tehran from using land routes to move advanced weapons and other materials.

Why it matters

A deal could avert renewed war between the United States and Iran, but both sides remain far apart on core demands, and the risk of all-out war remains real.

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Sources

• cnn.com: US and Iran are quietly negotiating as Middle East remains on edge. Here’s what to know | CNN
• dailyvoa.com: US and Iran quietly negotiate as Middle East stays on edge | Daily Voice Of Asia

This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.