Qatar holds 12-hour talks with Iran to avert US strikes

Qatari mediators held over 12 hours of talks in Tehran on October 30 to restore direct US-Iran contacts and prevent a new military escalation after the US midterm elections, Axios reported Saturday. The talks, conducted with constant White House contact, achieved some progress but face fundamental disagreements. Washington demands Iranian nuclear concessions before dialogue, while Tehran insists on lifting the naval blockade, unfreezing assets, and allowing oil sales. Qatar also seeks UN inspector access to bombed nuclear sites as a trust gesture. US officials are divided, with Trump skeptical, while Egypt, Turkey, Iraq, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia urge Iran to negotiate before the elections.