Iranian Envoys Meet Qatari Mediators as US Strike Threat Looms After Midterms
Iranian negotiators met Qatari mediators in Doha on Saturday to discuss de-escalation in the Gulf, as diplomats work to prevent renewed conflict following the US midterm elections this week. The talks follow over 12 hours of discussions in Tehran on Friday, coordinated with Washington. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei ordered armed forces to prepare for any attacks, vowing an "immediate, impactful, and geographically unrestricted response" to threats. US President Donald Trump has hinted at restarting strikes on Iran after the elections, though Vice President JD Vance recently wrote to a senior Iranian official about possible talks. Qatar proposed a seven-day trust-building plan, which Tehran deemed unsatisfactory, while Iran's own plan—requiring lifted port blockades and unfrozen assets—remains rejected by Trump. Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said Iran is studying Vance's letter.