Efforts by Qatari mediators this week to bring about a diplomatic breakthrough between the United States and Iran have made little progress as neither side appears willing to give in. Axios writes, citing three sources familiar with the talks. According to the American media, the stalemate reinforces the belief in both sides that a new military conflict is becoming increasingly probable.
US officials believe President Trump may order the resumption of large-scale combat operations after the midterm elections. Qatari officials will remain engaged but show growing frustration with both sides, two of the sources said. According to one of the sources cited by Axios, no significant progress was made in the talks on Monday. «The situation is at a standstill. The Iranians are demanding conditions that the US cannot accept and the US believes they are in a strong position, so they see no need to compromise,” the source said. Other regional mediators, including Pakistan and Egypt, have urged Iran to accept nuclear concessions. However, the Iranians reportedly said they would consider such a possibility only after the United States agreed to return to the June Memorandum of Understanding.