DOHA: Qatar has expressed optimism that a diplomatic agreement between the United States and Iran remains within reach, as both sides consider proposals put forward by mediators, including Doha, amid rising regional tensions and concerns over further escalation.
“Both parties remain committed to the negotiation process; as we mentioned, we are facilitating the real-time exchange of proposals between them,” foreign ministry spokesman Majed Al Ansari told reporters, while adding that both sides “are currently reviewing the ideas and proposals we have presented”.
“We remain hopeful that there is still a chance for a deal to take place,” he said, adding Doha was working “towards an interim deal”.
Qatar is working toward an interim agreement between the United States and Iran aimed at building confidence, narrowing differences and laying the groundwork for further negotiations toward a lasting settlement, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari said on Tuesday.
https://t.co/DeKbU0Nhww— The Peninsula Qatar (@PeninsulaQatar) November 3, 2026
Early Tuesday, US media outlets reported that Washington had carried out limited strikes on an Iranian island in the Strait of Hormuz.
On Monday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that “very intensive” negotiations were underway with the United States through mediators.
Meanwhile, Qatari negotiators returned to Doha following a meeting in Tehran that lasted more than three hours, according to Al Ansari. He cautioned that any further escalation could undermine diplomatic efforts and complicate the ongoing negotiations.
The latest developments come amid heightened threats from the United States and Israel against Iran in the lead-up to the US midterm elections and last week’s general election in Israel, where Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu failed to secure a parliamentary majority.
Ball in US court
Iran’s parliament speaker and chief negotiator in talks with the United States, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, said on Tuesday that the ball was in Washington’s court to “prevent war”.
“The countries of the region should know that, just as the Islamic Republic of Iran stands ready for battle with its finger on the trigger, it has also given the American side a powerful and rational response,” he said in a televised speech. “The ball is now in America’s court to prevent war.
Iran wants settlement as soon as possible: Trump
US President Donald Trump said on Monday that Iran was seeking to reach a settlement as soon as possible, adding that an agreement between Washington and Tehran “could happen” as diplomatic efforts to end the conflict continued.
“Iran wants a settlement as soon as possible. It could happen,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.
Trump also said oil prices were “dropping like a rock” because markets believed there would not be a war with Iran.
His remarks came amid renewed diplomatic efforts involving Qatar, which has been facilitating indirect contacts between Washington and Tehran.
US Vice President JD Vance also said Washington had made some progress in negotiations but had not set a deadline for Iran to reach an agreement before the United States resumed military strikes.
Rubio says US open to diplomatic solution with Iran
Earlier Saturday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Trump has not made a decision about fresh strikes on Iran and that the United States would be open to a diplomatic solution.
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Iran’s supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei on Saturday warned the United States and Israel against launching a new offensive, following threats that they could resume strikes after crucial elections in both countries.
Trump had previously warned an attack could come after the US midterms this week, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke of a “historic, one-time opportunity” to topple the Iranian government.
The elections in both countries could determine the direction of the conflict, with Israel having voted in a general election on Tuesday but yet to form a new government.
