Qatar called on Oct. 27 for a regional security framework based on respect for state sovereignty and mutual non-aggression, as Iran and three regional powers agreed to continue talks on security and cooperation. The diplomatic push comes as the United States weighs its next steps in a conflict that began with U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran on Feb. 28, according to the U.N. secretary-general’s statement that day.
Saudi Arabia said its defense minister and representatives of the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement countries went to Tehran on Oct. 26 to encourage dialogue and support mediation efforts led by Qatar and Pakistan. The kingdom said negotiations were needed to prevent a return to military escalation.
Iran, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey agreed to continue discussions on expanding cooperation, especially on regional peace and security, the Associated Press reported. The statement did not set a date or location for another meeting. Qatar said messages and proposals were still passing between Washington and Tehran through its mediation channel.
Qatar’s Foreign Ministry said the framework should protect regional sovereignty and called on Tehran to stop threatening countries in the region and safeguard passage through the Strait of Hormuz. The ministry did not publish proposed membership or a draft agreement.
The terms of a separate peace proposal remain disputed. Reuters reported that a source briefed on the negotiations described a Qatari draft with a seven-day timeline and daily confidence-building steps. A senior Iranian official told Reuters the ideas were unacceptable and did not constitute an offer.
The Associated Press, citing two diplomats briefed on the matter, reported that Washington had asked regional partners to prepare for a possible attack on Iran after the Nov. 3 midterm elections and for potential retaliation from Tehran. The report said President Donald Trump had not made a final decision; the White House and U.S. officials declined to comment.
