Washington – US President Donald Trump on Friday called Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to discuss efforts to end the US-Iran war, amid a diplomatic push to avoid a new round of conflict.
\The high-profile exchange was the latest in a flurry of diplomatic phone calls that saw Iran’s top diplomat speaking to his counterparts in the Gulf, amid fears that Trump could resume strikes despite major losses in midterms elections.
Sheikh Tamim received a call from Trump, according to his office the Amiri Diwan, during which the pair discussed “diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalating tensions in the region” undertaken by mediator Qatar.
The Emir “emphasized the importance of continuing dialogue and relying on diplomatic means to settle disputes and prevent further escalation,” the statement read.
Iranian negotiators are reviewing proposals that would see Tehran curb its nuclear program after long insisting that they would not even discuss the issue at the heart of the ongoing conflict with the United States, a US official and a diplomat familiar with the matter tell The Times of Israel.
The proposals were presented by Qatari mediators in several rounds of negotiations with the Iranians that have taken place in Tehran and Doha over the past week, the two sources say.
The proposals stop short of complete dismantlement, but do address Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium, the diplomat familiar with the talks adds, saying that the offers would see Iran receive significant sanctions relief from the US.
The US and Iran are potentially moving toward a breakthrough in efforts to reach an agreement that would end the largely suspended war between them, Bloomberg reports, citing a diplomat with knowledge of the discussions.
A breakthrough has become more likely because Iran is willing to examine Qatari proposals for previously off-limits concessions on its nuclear program, according to the report.
The report comes after US President Donald Trump and Qatar’s Emir Tamim Al-Thani spoke by phone about efforts to de-escalate tensions, according to Al-Thani’s office.
Not everyone is impressed by the Bloomberg report.
“Talking is not necessarily conceding,” Jason Brodsky, policy director at United Against Nuclear Iran, tells The Times of Israel.
“The Iranian regime has been discussing its nuclear program with the US for decades,” he continues. “That’s really not a breakthrough. Eager mediators are trying to paint a rosy picture of progress in talks to stall and delay the US from escalation.”
“I would urge skepticism and caution.”
