New Round of US-Iran Talks Expected as Qatar Steps Up Mediation

Diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions between the United States and Iran have intensified, with another round of indirect talks expected this week.

According to a report by Axios, Qatari mediators are continuing efforts to bridge differences between Washington and Tehran. Qatari officials are expected to hold separate meetings with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US envoy Steve Witkoff as early as Monday.

The latest diplomatic efforts come after President Donald Trump rejected an Iranian proposal linked to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the resumption of nuclear negotiations. Iran had proposed reopening the strategic waterway and restarting nuclear talks within a week if the United States lifted its naval blockade, eased sanctions on Iranian oil sales and reinstated a regional ceasefire.

Despite the rejection, Araghchi has said that Iran remains interested in a diplomatic solution. He also said Iran’s priority is to protect its national interests and that Tehran is ready for negotiations.

Earlier, US and Iranian representatives held indirect discussions on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, with Qatari officials helping convey messages between the two sides.

The talks are taking place amid continued differences over the Strait of Hormuz, sanctions, the nuclear issue and the broader conflict. Qatar and other regional mediators are continuing diplomatic efforts to find common ground between Washington and Tehran.