Qatari mediators held more than 12 hours of talks in Tehran on Friday in an effort to secure an agreement that would restart direct negotiations between the US and Iran and avoid a renewed conflict, with diplomatic sources describing positive progress in the talks. Key obstacles remain: the Trump administration wants nuclear concessions before resuming talks, while Iran demands the lifting of the US naval blockade, access to frozen funds and permission to resume oil sales. According to the reports, the mediators are also calling on Iran to allow UN inspectors to visit nuclear sites that have been damaged in previous attacks, in exchange for possible sanctions relief. Differences remain with the Trump administration about next steps. According to the reports, the US Secretary of War and Secretary of State Rubio are skeptical that an agreement can be reached, while US Vice President Vance and special envoys Witkoff and Kushner are in favor of resuming negotiations.

Qatari mediators held more than 12 hours of talks in Tehran on Friday in an effort to secure an agreement that would restart direct negotiations between the US and Iran and avoid a renewed conflict, with diplomatic sources describing positive progress in the talks. Key obstacles remain: the Trump administration wants nuclear concessions before resuming talks, while Iran demands the lifting of the US naval blockade, access to frozen funds and permission to resume oil sales. According to the reports, the mediators are also calling on Iran to allow UN inspectors to visit nuclear sites that have been damaged in previous attacks, in exchange for possible sanctions relief. Differences remain with the Trump administration about next steps. According to the reports, the US Secretary of War and Secretary of State Rubio are skeptical that an agreement can be reached, while US Vice President Vance and special envoys Witkoff and Kushner are in favor of resuming negotiations.