Qatari mediators have presented a new draft agreement to the Iranian side, which envisages a cessation of war with the US and Israel. The project includes a seven-day plan for mutual steps by the parties to reduce tension. However, a high-ranking Iranian official stated that the ideas proposed by Doha are unacceptable and cannot be considered a full-fledged proposal.
Modern.az reports that “Reuters” spread information about this, citing sources familiar with the course of the negotiations.
According to one of the agency's interlocutors, who does not represent Iran, the draft agreement was presented to Tehran on Sunday and is currently being reviewed by the Iranian side. A response is expected by the end of the week.
The plan envisages sequential measures aimed at strengthening trust, which both sides must implement every day. Seven days have been allocated for the implementation of the agreement. It is also possible that several states will act as guarantors of the agreement. The process can begin at the beginning of next week.
However, another source of “Reuters” directly involved in the negotiations on behalf of Iran stated that Qatar presented “unacceptable ideas, not a proposal.” According to him, Tehran's position on the nuclear issue remains unchanged, and the country does not intend to compromise on this issue.
Iran puts forward its seven-day plan
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said on Wednesday that Tehran continues its close contacts with mediators while evaluating options for implementing its seven-day plan to stop the war.
According to him, Iran still gives a chance to diplomacy, and the scheme it put forward can be implemented in less than a week.
Washington demands the nuclear program, while Tehran demands the lifting of the blockade
The US insists on including Iran's nuclear program in the negotiations from the initial stage. Tehran, on the other hand, first of all demands the cessation of the blockade imposed by the US on Iranian ports and the lifting of restrictions on the export of Iranian oil.
Iran rejects Western claims that the country's nuclear program has military purposes.
Qatar and Pakistan are leading mediation efforts amid the escalation of the conflict. The previous attempt to resolve the conflict, which began on February 28, resulted in a temporary agreement in June, but that agreement lost its force shortly after.
Oil prices exceeded 115 dollars
One of the factors creating an additional threat to the negotiations is the attacks of the Yemeni Houthis, supported by Iran, on Saudi Arabia.
After the strike on the Ras Tanura facility, one of Saudi Arabia's largest oil refineries, oil prices rose by more than 1 percent on Wednesday, exceeding 115 dollars per barrel.
The intensification of fighting also increases the risks to shipping in the Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab straits, which are of great importance for world energy trade.
According to “Reuters”, before the meeting in Tehran on Sunday, mediators were concerned that Israel might resume strikes against Iran.
US President Donald Trump also reiterated his threats. The Iranian side, on the other hand, warned about the preparation of plans for strikes on underwater cables in the Persian Gulf if military operations resume.
