Iran, US trade messages as war looms
Diplomats in Doha remain engaged even as Tehran expands its list of military targets and regional leaders brace for renewed conflict.
By Charlotte Dubois ·
The Middle East is on edge as the United States and Israel prepare for potential strikes against Iran. Tensions have risen sharply in the days following Tuesday's midterm elections in the U.S., with both nations monitoring the situation closely. Diplomatic channels remain open, though the window for peace may be closing quickly.
Two Iranian officials confirmed that their delegation departed Qatar after several days of negotiations. Despite the physical departure, they stated that communication with Washington continues through Qatari mediators. Both officials requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the ongoing talks.
Tehran is currently waiting for a specific U.S. response to a proposal aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz. The plan would allow shipping to flow freely within two days if Washington meets certain conditions. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasized that the final outcome hinges on answers to specific questions posed by his government. He made these remarks during a one-day visit to Turkmenistan on Monday.
President Donald Trump spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday. On Sunday evening, Trump described the call as very good, noting they discussed Iran but providing no further details. Netanyahu has remained largely silent on the phone call, focusing his public comments on the recent parliamentary election where his bloc lost its majority.
Iran's new Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, met with military chiefs to discuss defense strategies. He ordered an immediate response to any threat from the U.S. or Israel, removing geographic limits on potential targets. Khamenei has not appeared in public since February 28, when joint strikes by Israel and the U.S. killed his father, the previous leader.
Mohsen Rezaei, Iran's security chief, warned that any attack would result in devastating blows using new weapons. In a state television interview, he noted that the tone from the U.S. has completely changed, calling it a positive sign. He referenced a recent letter from U.S. Vice President JD Vance but declined to share details or confirm a response.
Regional states are caught in the middle of this escalating standoff. Commercial ship attacks in the Strait of Hormuz peaked in October, marking the busiest month for assaults since March. At the Manama Dialogue security summit in Bahrain, United Arab Emirates presidential adviser Anwar Gargash warned that the U.S. and Iranian stances are far apart. He cautioned that if these positions are not bridged, the region must worry about the worst-case scenario.
The UAE has suffered the most from previous Iranian attacks, with over 3,000 drones and ballistic missiles targeting its airports and oil facilities. Most of these projectiles were intercepted, but the strain on defenses has been immense. Gulf nations have spent billions of dollars to boost their military capabilities since the war began in early 2026.
Egypt's Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty told the gathering in Bahrain that a second round of escalation would be more dangerous and destructive. Meanwhile, China plans to send a special envoy to Iran, Oman, and Saudi Arabia in early November. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning announced the move on Monday, stating that the Gulf region should not become an arena for great-power rivalry.
Washington seeks to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and wants to address this issue in any new talks. Iran prefers to discuss the nuclear program later. For now, both sides are exchanging messages while military preparations continue in the background.
