Trump Open to Iran Nuclear Talks Amid Regional Mediation Efforts

Mediators, led by Qatar, are attempting to broker a deal to restart U.S.-Iran negotiations on Tehran's nuclear program and prevent further conflict, according to three American, Israeli, and regional sources. The Qatari efforts aim to persuade Iran to allow UN inspectors access to its nuclear facilities, which have been targeted, in exchange for some sanctions relief from the U.S.

President Donald Trump confirmed in a brief interview that negotiations with Iran are underway via mediators but expressed uncertainty about their success. "We need to finish the job, by agreement or otherwise, and we will see if the negotiations can succeed," Trump stated. The mediation efforts are supported by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkey. Qatari mediator Ali Thuwaini visited Tehran this week to discuss a potential agreement with the Trump administration.

Regional sources indicate that Qatar has proposed ideas to bridge the gap between U.S. demands for Iran to relinquish its enriched uranium stockpile and Iran's demand for the U.S. to first lift its naval blockade and release frozen Iranian funds. Mediators are pressuring Iran to accept these proposals to avoid escalation following the U.S. midterm elections. Senior security officials from Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan have reinforced this message in Tehran.

Iranian officials informed mediators they would update Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei on the proposals and seek his approval. Saudi officials conveyed to the White House that Iran is concerned about a potential U.S.-Israeli strike after the midterm elections and requested Trump not to rush into renewed conflict, allowing more time for negotiations.

One discussed idea involves Iran potentially returning to the Cairo Agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), signed last year, which allowed UN inspectors to resume visits to Iranian nuclear facilities. The agreement's implementation was suspended when UN sanctions were reinstated. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi noted that reviving the Cairo Agreement could provide a framework for renewed oversight of Iranian nuclear sites.

Regional sources suggest that if Iran allows UN inspectors access, it might receive exemptions for oil sales and the release of some frozen funds for humanitarian purchases. A White House official stated that the administration would formulate its position on the proposed agreement after learning if Iran accepts it. Trump discussed the Iranian issue with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and White House envoy Steve Witcoff, and later with his national security team.