Qatar is working to mediate between the United States and Iran in an effort to prevent renewed military conflict after the November 3 US midterm elections, with a proposal that would let UN weapons inspectors access Iranian nuclear facilities previously targeted in military strikes in exchange for partial sanctions relief from Washington, according to a report by The Times of Israel citing Channel 12. The mediation effort has backing from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Turkey, with Saudi officials specifically urging the White House to allow more time for diplomacy, citing Iranian concerns about potential US-Israeli military action after the midterms.
At the same time, US Central Command is preparing for the possibility of renewed strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities, energy infrastructure and other national installations, the report said. A regional source told Channel 12 that "there is some movement" but that mediators "are waiting for the Iranian response."
The initiative comes against the backdrop of Israel's unresolved election, with both major blocs short of a governing majority and questions about the shape of the next government feeding into broader regional and American strategic calculations around Iran.