Amid growing concerns that the United States could resume attacks on Iran after the midterm elections just three days away, a Qatari mediation team visited Iran and held marathon negotiations lasting over 12 hours, the U.S. internet media outlet Axios reported on October 31.

According to Axios, multiple diplomatic sources stated that the Qatari mediation team engaged in discussions throughout the day in Tehran to broker an agreement for the resumption of direct talks between the U.S. and Iran.

The discussions are scheduled to continue on October 31 in Doha, Qatar.

One diplomatic source said, "There has been positive progress," adding, "Discussions are continuing to find a breakthrough for an agreement between the U.S. and Iran."

The Qatari mediation team reportedly maintained frequent contact with the U.S. White House throughout the talks.

Qatar is persuading the U.S. and Iran to return to the negotiating table to address issues such as Iran's nuclear program, after implementing phased, mutual measures over several days.

However, the demands of the two countries remain far apart, a U.S. official said.

The Donald Trump administration is demanding nuclear concessions from Iran as a condition for resuming talks, while Iran maintains that the U.S. must first lift the naval blockade, return frozen funds, and allow oil sales.

In response, Qatar has reportedly proposed that Iran allow a visit by UN inspectors to nuclear facilities that were struck by airstrikes as a trust-building measure, in exchange for the U.S. easing some sanctions.

Axios projected that the U.S., ahead of the midterm elections, could soon launch military operations capable of inflicting massive damage on Iran, and that if an attack materializes, Iran is likely to launch retaliatory strikes against Israel and Gulf nations.

Opinions are also divided among President Trump's close aides.

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio remain skeptical about whether a nuclear deal with the current Iranian regime is possible and believe the regime should be further weakened, including through additional airstrikes, according to a U.S. official.

On the other hand, Vice President JD Vance, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner want to see negotiations resumed, the official explained.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who oversees economic sanctions against Iran, is also reportedly advising President Trump to observe the pressure effects of sanctions rather than rushing to resume combat.

President Trump is known to be skeptical about whether Iran will agree to a deal he finds acceptable.

Speaking to reporters on October 30, he said that Iran continues to want dialogue, while simultaneously stating, "Frankly, we have time. It's a war, but not a typical war."

There are also observations that the outcome of the midterm elections could be a variable.

A U.S. official told Axios that if the Republican Party suffers heavy losses in the election, the likelihood of President Trump launching a large-scale military operation could increase, adding, "For Iran, now is the optimal time to make a deal."

Neighboring countries are also moving urgently.

Egypt, Türkiye, Iraq, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia are persuading Iran to agree to the resumption of talks before the midterm elections, according to a source well-versed in regional affairs.

The leaders of Saudi Arabia and Türkiye recently asked President Trump to give more time for diplomatic efforts.

On the other hand, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is persuading President Trump to launch a joint military operation against Iran immediately after the election.

Axios observed that any U.S. attack on Iran would likely be a joint operation with Israel.

Projections indicate that Iran could retaliate against Israel with missile attacks, and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah could also strike Israel.

Iran has also warned that if the U.S. attacks its energy facilities, it will strike oil and gas facilities in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain.

Axios noted concerns that if the war resumes, the entire Gulf region will suffer severe damage and the global energy crisis could worsen.

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)