Iranian negotiators leave Doha talks as draft proposal on ending US war circulates

Doha, Qatar. Iranian negotiators have left talks with Qatari mediators on ending the war with the United States, and a draft proposal is now being circulated, an official briefed on the discussions said on Monday. The official added that another meeting could take place.

Departure not linked to difficulties

According to the official, the negotiators left on Sunday, but the departure was not caused by problems in the negotiations. The official gave no further details about the draft proposal.

Related: Iranian negotiators hold third day of talks with Qatari mediators in Doha on ending war

RelatedIranian negotiators hold third day of talks with Qatari mediators in Doha on ending war

Seven-step plan as basis

Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei, said the talks are built on a seven-step plan that Tehran prepared in September. The plan aims to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and lift the American naval blockade of Iran. Baghaei said Tehran is now proposing that the plan could be carried out more quickly under an agreement.

He said deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi was in Doha to help pass messages to Washington through Qatari intermediaries.

Iran’s stated conditions

Baghaei described Iran’s demands as clear, transparent, reasonable and logical. He said no final agreement can be started, and the Strait of Hormuz cannot be reopened or made secure, until the blockade ends, Iran’s demands are respected and its legitimate requirements are met.

On Saturday, the Qatari broadcaster Al Jazeera quoted Abbas Araqchi in a report that also referred to the seven days originally envisaged. US President Donald Trump rejected Iran’s initial proposal.

US midterms in the background

The new diplomatic round comes amid concern that the conflict could escalate again after the US midterm elections on Tuesday. Asked how Tehran views the vote, Baghaei said Iran did not expect the elections to “give birth to a new US.”

Trump has said the United States will not launch new attacks on Iran before the vote and that talks with Tehran have been productive. He has not ruled out further military action.