Qatar Returns to Tehran for Last-Ditch Talks to Stop New US-Iran War Before Midterms

Qatari negotiators have returned to Tehran for a last-ditch mediation effort to prevent a new, intense round of war between the United States and Iran, according to a report [1]. The talks come just ahead of next week's US midterm elections [1].

The diplomatic push is being led by Qatar, which is working as a mediator between Washington and Tehran to secure a deal and reduce rising tensions [2]. Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Egypt are supporting the mediation effort, according to Axios [2]. Details of the proposed deal have not been made public [2].

The United States has warned Gulf Arab countries to prepare for a possible "short, intense" military campaign against Iran, the Wall Street Journal reported [3]. The warning reportedly came after the November 3 midterm elections [3]. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz responded by urging diplomacy and calling for continued talks to ease tensions over Iran's nuclear program [3].

Gulf states are working on a multipart peace deal to prevent what they see as a disastrous new war between Iran and the US [4]. The plan centers on reopening the Strait of Hormuz within four days of sanctions being lifted on Iran [4]. It also calls for the Houthis to withdraw substantial forces inside Yemen [4]. The US knows about the talks but is waiting for a concession, with European powers suggesting this could involve Iran allowing UN weapons inspectors back into the country [4].

The Pentagon has presented President Donald Trump with options for possible military action against Iran, including strikes on nuclear facilities and infrastructure, according to a report [5]. No final decision has been announced [5]. The United States is also sending additional warships to the Middle East as tensions between Washington and Tehran remain high [5].

US embassies are tightening security after a memo from Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton warned that Iran is in the "advanced stages" of planning attacks on Americans ahead of the US midterm elections [6]. Iran is reportedly in the "advanced stages" of planning to target US officials in the Middle East, according to a new report [7]. The alleged plot focuses on American figures serving in the region [7]. Details remain limited, and no specific individuals or locations have been named [7].

Oil prices rose on signs that the United States may resume military strikes against Iran [8]. New fighting in the region could disrupt energy flows and push prices up further [8].

President Trump said the war with Iran will end "when I want it to," according to The Hill [9]. His statement came as a report revealed the conflict's costs have risen to $47 billion [9].

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has fired the Pentagon's top military planner, a defense official said [10]. US Army Lieutenant General Brett Sylvia was removed as head of strategy, plans and policy on the Joint Chiefs of Staff [10]. He is the second general to be ousted from the post under Hegseth [10]. The move comes as President Donald Trump considered renewed strikes on Iran in the eight-month-long war [10].