US-Iran Indirect Talks Expected to Resume Today as Qatar Continues Mediation

A new round of indirect talks between the United States and Iran is expected to take place today, with Qatari mediators continuing efforts to bridge differences between Washington and Tehran.

According to Axios, Qatari officials are expected to hold separate meetings with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US special envoy Steve Witkoff as part of ongoing shuttle diplomacy. The talks follow earlier indirect negotiations held on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York.

It remains unclear whether the two sides will be able to overcome their differences on the key issues surrounding the conflict, the Strait of Hormuz and a possible diplomatic settlement.

Iran Says Diplomacy Is the Way Forward

The latest diplomatic efforts come a day after US President Donald Trump rejected Iran’s proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and end the conflict under a seven-day framework.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has maintained that Tehran remains ready for diplomacy. He said Iran was still waiting for an official US response through the mediators despite Trump’s rejection of the latest proposal.

Araghchi has also said that Iran’s conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz are clear and that any move toward reopening the strategic waterway would depend on those conditions being met.

Trump Says Iran Wants a Deal

Trump has said Iran wants an agreement because of the economic pressure facing the country, while maintaining that Tehran’s latest proposal is not acceptable to Washington.

The US president nevertheless said he expected more talks with Iran this week, leaving the door open for continued diplomatic contacts. Axios reported that regional sources expected another round of indirect dialogue as early as Monday.

The Iranian proposal presented during earlier indirect discussions called for reopening the Strait of Hormuz and resuming nuclear negotiations within a week if Washington lifted its naval blockade, removed sanctions on Iranian oil sales and restored a regional ceasefire.

Iran Warns It Is Ready for Conflict

Alongside its diplomatic message, Tehran has continued to warn that it is prepared for further military confrontation if the United States launches another attack.

Araghchi has said Iran is ready for genuine diplomacy while also warning that Tehran is prepared to respond to renewed military action.

The competing messages reflect the difficult situation facing the two sides: Washington and Tehran remain divided over the terms of a settlement, while Qatar continues efforts to keep indirect diplomatic channels open.

With another round of contacts expected, the coming discussions could indicate whether the mediators can narrow the remaining differences or whether the confrontation will continue.