US-Iran Talks Deadlocked, Raising Risk of Renewed Conflict

Efforts by Qatari mediators to broker a diplomatic breakthrough between the United States and Iran have yielded no significant progress this week, as neither side is prepared to make concessions, according to three sources familiar with the negotiations cited by Axios.

The stalemate reinforces both parties' belief that the likelihood of renewed military conflict is growing. U.S. officials believe President Trump may order a resumption of large-scale combat operations after the midterm elections.

Qatar's envoy Ali al-Thawadi held hours-long meetings in New York with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, then traveled to Washington to meet Trump envoy Jared Kushner and other U.S. officials. Vice President Vance was also present for part of the Washington meeting.

An Axios source quoted a participant: "Talks are at an impasse. The Iranians are asking for things the U.S. cannot agree to, and the U.S. thinks it is winning so sees no need to compromise."