Russia and China could guarantee a potential U.S.-Iran deal

A U.S. delegation may join talks with Iranian representatives in Doha after progress in indirect negotiations mediated by Qatar and Pakistan, The New Arab reports. There is no official confirmation.

Russia and China could act as guarantors of a potential agreement between the United States and Iran, the London-based newspaper The New Arab reported, citing sources close to the Qatari and Pakistani mediation efforts. The newspaper reported that a breakthrough had been reached in indirect negotiations and that a U.S. delegation was expected to join talks with Iranian representatives in Doha. Washington, Tehran and Doha have not officially confirmed the development.

The New Arab reported that the sides had agreed on initial steps concerning Iran’s nuclear program, shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and financial incentives for Tehran. The makeup of the U.S. delegation remains unclear. The Washington Post reported that U.S. Vice President JD Vance had proposed holding a meeting soon and would personally lead the American team.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance at a summit near Lake Lucerne in Switzerland, June 2026 (archive)

Axios reported that a Qatari delegation led by a senior adviser to Qatar’s prime minister and foreign minister held talks in Tehran on Friday that lasted more than 12 hours before returning to Doha with the Iranian negotiating team. “Positive progress has been made. The talks are continuing,” a diplomatic source told the outlet. Reuters reported that Qatar had proposed a draft agreement with a seven-day deadline and daily confidence-building measures.

An Iranian source said the talks were still proceeding through a mediator and that one of Iran’s deputy foreign ministers was in Doha. Iranian Parliament Speaker and chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said there would be no progress without the full acceptance of Tehran’s seven conditions. They include a ceasefire across the region, the unfreezing of Iranian assets abroad, the lifting of oil sanctions and the naval blockade, war reparations and the withdrawal of U.S. forces.

The diplomatic activity is taking place ahead of the U.S. midterm elections on November 3. A U.S. official told Axios that President Donald Trump could lean toward launching a major strike on Iran if Republicans suffer a serious defeat. The White House said, however, that the elections would not affect his decisions on Iran.

Russia and China could guarantee a potential U.S.-Iran deal

A U.S. delegation may join talks with Iranian representatives in Doha after progress in indirect negotiations mediated by Qatar and Pakistan, The New Arab reports. There is no official confirmation.