Indirect talks between the United States and Iran, mediated by Qatar, are continuing even as both governments exchange threats to resume fighting. President Trump said Sunday that he had spoken with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu the day before and had a “very good talk,” though he gave no details beyond saying the two discussed the war in Iran. According to Axios, Netanyahu pressed for strikes, while Trump wants to let the negotiations play out.
Trump has repeatedly hinted at resuming attacks after the midterm elections. On Saturday he said the U.S. still had to “take care of” one or two more targets, including a suspected nuclear complex at Pickaxe Mountain. Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, warned there would be no “geographical limitations” if fighting resumes. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said negotiators in Qatar are discussing a proposal that could reopen the Strait of Hormuz soon, but that the outcome depends on the U.S. response.
The United Arab Emirates, which Iran repeatedly targeted early in the war, said it hopes for a diplomatic breakthrough while preparing for escalation. Anwar Gargash, the UAE presidential adviser, said at a security forum in Bahrain that the region is braced for “the worst.”
Shipping in the Gulf remains at risk. A vessel was struck Sunday by an unknown projectile in the Strait of Hormuz, according to Britain’s UKMTO maritime agency. Qatar’s state news agency said a Qatari liquefied natural gas carrier, the Al Mayeda, was attacked Friday, though no crew members were hurt. Iran has targeted ships in the strait and wider Gulf since the war began in February.
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