WASHINGTON / DOHA: US President Donald Trump is preparing to resume military strikes against targets in Iran following the upcoming midterm elections, with Washington advising Gulf allies to prepare for a targeted, intense campaign as early as November 4, according to senior diplomatic sources.
Amid mounting regional military tensions, Qatari mediators returned to Doha on Friday after conducting a day of intensive diplomatic consultations in Tehran aimed at brokering a draft de-escalation framework between the US and Iran. Iranian negotiators are scheduled to land in Doha on Saturday to advance direct and indirect talks hosted by Qatari intermediaries.
According to reports by Al Hadath, the framework prepared by regional mediators outlines reciprocal measures—offering targeted US sanctions relief in exchange for verifiable Iranian nuclear concessions, establishing a direct channel for bilateral talks, and instituting maritime security arrangements to reopen the vital Strait of Hormuz within seven days.
However, hardline elements within Tehran continue to pose counter-pressure. Senior Iranian lawmaker Alireza Salimi confirmed Friday that a draft bill mandating Iran’s formal withdrawal from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) has been presented to the Iranian Parliament.
Addressing reporters on Friday, President Trump reiterated his stance that the ongoing conflict with Iran would be “wrapped up soon,” while reinforcing Washington’s non-negotiable demand for absolute guarantees preventing Tehran from developing or acquiring nuclear weapons.
The diplomatic push comes against the backdrop of ongoing maritime risks in Gulf waters. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy reported Friday that a VLCC supertanker carrying over two million barrels of crude oil caught fire near the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz following an offshore incident.
For more details: Navamalayalam.com