U.S.-Iran Talks Make Little Progress as Both Sides Hold Ground
Qatar-led mediation has failed to produce a diplomatic breakthrough, while officials warn the stalemate is increasing concerns about renewed conflict.
Diplomatic efforts between the United States and Iran have made little progress, with neither side willing to compromise as mediators try to prevent a renewed military confrontation.
Qatar-led mediation produced no major movement during talks on Monday. Iranian demands were viewed as unacceptable by the United States, while U.S. negotiators saw little reason to compromise from what they considered a position of strength.
Qatari officials are expected to continue their efforts, although they are becoming increasingly frustrated with both sides. Pakistan and Egypt have also urged Iran to make concessions on the nuclear issue.
Iran has said it would consider those concessions only if the United States agrees to restore a memorandum of understanding signed in June. The deadlock is reinforcing concerns that military conflict could escalate again.
U.S. officials believe Trump could order a return to major military operations after the midterm elections. Qatar’s mediation is expected to continue, but the talks have not produced a diplomatic breakthrough.
