Indirect Iran US talks continued in Doha for a third straight day, with Iranian negotiators meeting Qatari mediators, but no final agreement has been reached as Tehran warned that any new war with the United States would last longer than the last one.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said consultations with Qatar were ongoing and that the outcome depends on Washington’s response to Iran’s proposals and questions. He added that Tehran was ready for both diplomacy and defence, and said there was no plan for direct talks with American officials during this visit.
Iran US Talks: Seven Conditions and Hormuz
Iran has insisted on seven conditions for any agreement. Its National Security Chief Mohsen Rezaei said diplomacy remains an option if they are met, but warned that any new attack would bring a strong response. Rezaei also said he had received a letter from US Vice President JD Vance seeking to revive talks and had not yet replied.
The Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil supplies, is a central issue. Araghchi said Tehran and Doha had drafted a proposal to reopen the strait within two days of a deal with Washington. Iran claims control of the waterway, while the United States has imposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports.
What Washington Is Saying
US President Donald Trump said negotiations were progressing but that the United States could strike Iran’s remaining suspected nuclear sites within minutes. He pointed to a suspected underground site known as Pickaxe Mountain, which Iran denies is used for nuclear work, and said Washington was in no rush to reach a deal. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Trump had not decided on further attacks and preferred a diplomatic settlement.
Assistant Secretary of State Donald Blome told the Manama Dialogue in Bahrain that the US would consider other options if normal shipping through Hormuz is not restored.
Tehran Warns of a Longer War
Iran’s army spokesman Mohammad Akraminia said a future war could last longer than the previous conflict and that the US president would not decide how it ends. A Revolutionary Guards spokesman said there would be “no geographical limitations” in a new conflict. Trump has reportedly signalled that no fresh strikes are planned before the US midterm elections on November 3.
The war began on February 28, 2026, with US-Israeli strikes on Iran and has now lasted about eight months, disrupting oil supplies across the region. The UAE’s diplomatic adviser Anwar Gargash said Abu Dhabi hopes for a breakthrough but is ready for the worst.
Tensions Spread to Britain and Shipping
Iran has also designated Britain’s Royal Navy and Royal Air Force as terrorist organisations and MI6 as a hostile group. Tehran said this was a response to London’s July 13 decision to designate the Revolutionary Guards under its State Threats Act, and accused Britain of letting US-Israeli operations use British military facilities.
Separately, Iran has submitted evidence to the International Maritime Organisation of alleged US and Israeli attacks on its ports and shipping. According to US media reports, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed Iran with Trump in a call on Saturday, with Netanyahu reportedly favouring strikes soon after the midterm elections while Trump preferred to give negotiations more time.
How Iran US Talks Affect Pakistan
- Fuel prices: the conflict has pushed up import premiums and freight on petrol, which led Pakistan to change its petrol pricing formula for 30 days.
- Oil supply: a deal that reopens Hormuz could ease pressure on global oil prices and Pakistan’s import bill.
- Gulf workers: millions of Pakistanis work in the Gulf, so a wider war would directly affect families and remittances.
What Happens Next
Mediators in Doha are waiting for Washington’s response to Iran’s proposals. The US midterm elections and any decision by Trump on further strikes will shape whether the Iran US talks lead to a deal or the region faces a new round of fighting.
For official updates, visit the Qatar Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
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