Qatar's 12-hour Tehran talks aim to restart US-Iran negotiations and prevent war

Qatari mediators held talks in Tehran lasting over 12 hours on Friday, seeking to restart direct US-Iran negotiations and prevent war following the US midterm elections, according to diplomatic sources. Talks are set to continue Saturday in Doha. The US is reportedly days away from potentially launching a military operation against Iran, which could trigger retaliatory responses. Disputes remain over Trump administration demands for Iranian nuclear concessions versus Tehran's requirements for lifting the naval blockade, releasing frozen assets, and permitting oil sales. Qatar is proposing UN inspector visits to bombed nuclear sites in exchange for sanctions relief. Divisions exist within Trump's inner circle, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio skeptical of a nuclear deal, while Vice President JD Vance and envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner favor resuming negotiations. Trump said Friday that talks are ongoing, adding "we have time." Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent urges allowing economic pressure to work, though officials suggest Trump might order military action if Republicans suffer significant midterm losses.