Qatari mediators push Iran toward US deal as nuclear talks advance

Qatari mediators reported positive progress Friday in efforts to broker a US-Iran deal after over 12 hours of talks in Tehran, according to Axios, as both sides seek to prevent renewed military operations. The mediators are pushing Iran to allow UN inspectors to visit nuclear sites damaged by US and Israeli strikes as a confidence-building measure, potentially prompting US sanctions relief. However, progress has stagnated over competing demands, with Washington requiring nuclear concessions first and Tehran demanding an end to the naval blockade, frozen funds release, and sanctions easing. Talks will resume in Doha on Saturday as Washington weighs renewed strikes ahead of November 3 midterm elections. A US official suggested President Trump may act boldly if Republicans perform poorly, urging Iran to seize the current opportunity for a deal.