US-Iran talks collapse as neither side makes concessions - Axios
Donald Trump (photo: Getty Images)
Mediators from Qatar made little progress this week in achieving a diplomatic breakthrough between the US and Iran. The reason was that neither side was willing to make concessions, according to Axios.
What is known about the negotiations
On Monday, Qatari mediator Ali al-Thawadi met with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and his team in New York. Their meeting lasted several hours. According to a source familiar with the situation, they discussed a two-page compromise proposal from Qatar.
According to two other interlocutors, Qatar's plan aimed to satisfy both Iran's demand for the lifting of the US naval blockade and the US demand for nuclear concessions from Iran.
Later that same Monday evening, al-Thawadi held talks in Washington with Trump's envoy Jared Kushner and other American officials. Vice President Vance was also present for a small part of the meeting.
That morning, the White House had hoped for progress. American officials informed a number of media outlets, including Axios, that the negotiations were positive and constructive and that Iran had shown flexibility on nuclear issues.
Officials even stated that Trump was ready to ease sanctions against Iran and unfreeze funds in exchange for concrete steps to reduce its nuclear program.
However, a few hours later, while Qatari officials were still at the White House, Trump posted on social media that he had offered nothing to Iran.
In the end, one source reported that there was no significant progress in the negotiations on Monday.
"It is stuck. The Iranians are asking for things the U.S. can't accept and the U.S. thinks it is winning so there is no need for compromise," he said.
Other regional mediators, including Pakistan and Egypt, urged Iran to agree to nuclear concessions. However, the Iranians stated that they would consider the matter only after the US agreed to return to the June memorandum of understanding, another source familiar with the situation reported.
What happens next
As Axios writes, the stalemate is strengthening both sides' belief that a resumption of military conflict is becoming increasingly likely.
American officials believe that President Trump may order a resumption of major combat operations after the midterm elections.
At the same time, two sources said that Qatari officials will continue their efforts, although they are becoming increasingly frustrated with both sides of the conflict.
What else is important to know
After Trump rejected Iran's peace plan last week, Tehran again called on the US to engage in dialogue. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasized that only diplomacy can resolve the conflict.
On September 29, the US announced new sanctions against individuals and entities from 13 countries that helped Iran purchase weapons and components. Companies from Russia, among others, were included in this list.
