Qatar brokers U.S.-Iran talks in Tehran to avert conflict before midterms

Qatari mediators held marathon talks in Tehran on Friday to broker a U.S.-Iran deal before the midterms, aiming to restart direct negotiations and avert a potential military conflict. Discussions are set to continue in Doha on Saturday. The talks, lasting over 12 hours, involved regular White House contact, with sources citing positive progress. Key sticking points include U.S. demands for nuclear concessions versus Iran's requirements for sanctions relief, naval blockade lifting, and oil sales. Qatar is proposing U.N. inspections as a confidence-building measure. Divisions exist within Trump's circle, with some officials favoring further strikes while others urge diplomacy. Regional leaders are pressing for negotiations, though Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu advocates for joint military action. A renewed war risks massive destruction in Gulf countries and global energy crisis escalation.