The Axios website, citing three sources familiar with the negotiations between Iran and the United States, has reported that efforts by Qatar this week to achieve a diplomatic breakthrough between the two sides have reached an impasse.
The outlet reported early Wednesday, September 30, that neither side is willing to back down from its positions.
According to the report, US officials believe that Donald Trump, the US president, may order a return to extensive military operations after the midterm elections.
Two of the sources said Qatari officials would continue their efforts but are increasingly discouraged by the approach taken by both sides.
A source familiar with the matter said the Qatari mediator had discussed with Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s foreign minister, a proposed two-page compromise plan put forward by Qatar.
According to two other sources, the Qatari plan sought to address two opposing demands: Iran’s request for the lifting of the US naval blockade and the US demand that Iran provide nuclear concessions.
One of the sources said no significant progress was made during Monday’s negotiations: “The work has stopped. The Iranians have demands that the US cannot accept, and the US also believes it is in a position of victory, so it sees no need for compromise.”
Meanwhile, according to another source familiar with the matter, other regional mediators, including Pakistan and Egypt, have urged Iran to make concessions on the nuclear issue. However, the Iranians said they would consider such a step only if the US agrees to return to the June memorandum of understanding.
