Qatari mediator seeks to resolve US-Iran diplomatic impasse, analyst says

Fadi Hallani, Director of the Middle East Program at the National Council on US-Arab Relations, said the Qatari mediator is working to break the diplomatic deadlock between the United States and Iran.

In an interview with Al-Hadath, Hallani explained that the US side is demanding the opening of the Strait of Hormuz and negotiations on Iran's nuclear program, while Iran is insisting on a commitment to end the war, withdraw US capabilities from around Iran, and receive compensation, as mentioned by Mohsen Rezaee, Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council.

Hallani added that the Qatari mediator is currently trying to reduce the 60-day timeframe to just two days through reciprocal, simultaneous measures by both sides to build trust, which could pave the way for negotiations on Iran's nuclear project. He noted that the United States rejects talks on the Strait of Hormuz, considering it no longer a strategic card for Iran.

He continued that the diplomatic groundwork the Qatari mediator is attempting to establish does not yet exist, with no diplomatic progress so far. Hallani described former President Trump's statements on solutions as political and diplomatic rhetoric, noting that the recent US strikes on Qeshm Island and other sites were a clear political message to Iran that negotiations are proceeding alongside military action.

He added that the United States links military threats with diplomatic progress, and that military, diplomatic, and political pressure tools remain in place. The recent strikes, from both military and intelligence perspectives, are seen as a prelude to potentially broader operations in the coming days or weeks.

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