Axios: Trump May Order Strike on Iran After Congressional Elections - Sarmad
Axios reported early Wednesday that efforts by Qatari mediators this week to broker a diplomatic breakthrough between the United States and Iran have made little progress, with neither side willing to make concessions, according to three sources familiar with the talks.
The U.S. website added that this stalemate reinforces the belief on both sides that a resumption of military conflict is more likely. U.S. officials believe President Trump may order a return to major combat operations after the midterm elections.
Two sources told Axios that Qatari officials will continue to try, but they are increasingly frustrated with both sides.
On Monday, Qatari mediator Ali Al-Duwaish met with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and his team in New York for several hours.
A source familiar with the matter said they discussed a two-page Qatari settlement proposal.
According to two other sources, the Qatari plan aimed to address both Iran’s demand for the lifting of the U.S. naval blockade and the U.S. demand for Iranian nuclear concessions.
On Monday evening, Al-Duwaish held talks in Washington with Jared Kushner, Trump’s envoy, and other U.S. officials. Vice President Vance also attended part of the meeting.
The U.S. website noted that the surprise was that on Monday morning, the White House was optimistic about making progress.
U.S. officials briefed numerous media outlets, including Axios, that the talks were “positive and constructive” and that Iran “indicated it was flexible on nuclear issues.”
Officials even said Trump was prepared to ease sanctions on Iran and release frozen funds in exchange for concrete steps to reduce its nuclear program.
But after several hours, while Qatari officials were still at the White House, Trump posted on Truth Social that he had not given anything to Iran.
One source told Axios that there was no noticeable progress in the talks on Monday.
The source said, “It’s stuck. The Iranians are demanding things the United States cannot accept, and the United States believes it is winning, so there is no need for a compromise.”
