Iranian envoys meet Qatari mediators in Doha as US weighs new strikes
Iranian negotiators met Qatari mediators in Doha on Saturday to discuss ending the Gulf war, as diplomats work to avert new fighting after US midterm elections this week. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said President Donald Trump has not decided on new strikes against Iran, preferring a diplomatic resolution. Trump has delayed strikes on Iran ahead of midterms that will determine Republican control of Congress. Saturday's talks followed over 12 hours of discussions in Tehran on Friday, coordinated with Washington. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei ordered armed forces to prepare responses to any attacks, warning of "immediate, impactful, and geographically unrestricted" retaliation. Iran's security chief Mohsen Rezaei said Tehran is debating lifting its nuclear weapons ban if hostilities resume, though no decision has been made. Qatar proposed a seven-day trust-building plan, which Iran deemed unsatisfactory, while Tehran's own plan—requiring lifted blockades and unfrozen assets—remains rejected by Washington.