Iranian negotiators and Qatari mediators have entered a third consecutive day of discussions aimed at securing an agreement to end the eight-month US-Israeli war on Iran, as diplomatic efforts intensify to prevent another escalation in the Middle East.
The negotiations, taking place in Doha, follow extensive consultations between Qatari and Iranian officials in Tehran on Friday before discussions moved to the Qatari capital over the weekend. The diplomatic engagement is being coordinated through regular contacts with Washington.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said on Sunday that consultations with Qatar were ongoing and progressing, stressing that Tehran remained prepared for both diplomacy and defence. He confirmed that discussions surrounding a proposed two-day arrangement were continuing, although no final agreement had been reached.
According to reports, the proposal could allow the Strait of Hormuz to reopen within two days of an agreement with Washington, potentially easing disruptions to one of the world’s most important oil and shipping routes. However, Iran has attached several conditions to a broader settlement, including sanctions relief, changes to the US military presence in the region and an end to hostilities across the Middle East.
The diplomatic initiative comes amid growing concerns that fighting could resume after the November 3 US midterm elections. US President Donald Trump has indicated that Washington is willing to pursue a diplomatic solution, although he has not ruled out further military action.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that diplomatic contacts with Iran were continuing, saying Trump had not yet made a decision on additional strikes and preferred resolving the conflict through negotiations.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei has ordered the country’s armed forces to maintain military readiness in anticipation of possible renewed attacks. Tehran has repeatedly warned that any further US or Israeli strikes would trigger retaliation against American and Israeli targets in neighbouring countries.
The conflict, which began in February 2026, has severely disrupted regional security, international shipping and global energy supplies, with particular concern surrounding the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
Although the latest talks represent another significant diplomatic effort to end the war, major disagreements remain unresolved. The outcome of the Doha negotiations could prove critical in determining whether the region moves towards a lasting ceasefire or faces another round of military confrontation.
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