Iran announced that talks between this country and the United States to end the eight-month war are still ongoing. The Iranian Foreign Ministry stated on Monday, following recent negotiations mediated by Qatar, that these talks have not reached tangible results despite changes in proposals.
Continuation of negotiations and new proposals
Ismail Baqeri, spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, stated: "I can say that the talks are still ongoing. However, the issue is complex." He added that both sides are exchanging messages through intermediaries. Given concerns about the possibility of the war resuming after the U.S. midterm elections, China and Russia have also reacted to this issue, calling for a political resolution to the crisis.
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Economic impacts and concerns over new attacks
While oil prices have dropped nearly 4% in hopes of reaching a diplomatic solution, Iranian sources believe that the likelihood of a new U.S. attack is greater than the likelihood of an agreement. Baqeri also emphasized that the plan Iran presented in September to end the war remains the focus of discussions, and this plan has been condensed to allow for implementation within two days. This plan includes ending sanctions on Iranian ports and reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
Baqeri, in response to a question about the possibility of transferring Iran's enriched uranium reserves to another country, rejected this notion. An informed source in the negotiations also stated that the Iranian negotiators left the meeting on Sunday, but this action was not due to problems in the negotiations, and a new draft is currently circulating.
The war that the United States and Israel suddenly began on February 28 has led to the blockage of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran and sanctions on this country's ports. Trump has repeatedly stated that no new attack on Iran will occur before the midterm elections. Iran has also stated that it will respond severely if attacks resume.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized the need to focus on political solutions during a meeting with Ali Baqeri Kani, Iran's senior security official in Beijing, on Monday. The Russian Foreign Ministry also stated that reports of new military attacks against Iran bring serious concerns and called for increased diplomatic efforts.
Read more: Iranian negotiators in Doha to end the U.S.-Iran war · Iran warns of a new war with the U.S.
