Iran is in a holding pattern after the possibility of a preemptive strike was taken off the table for now, while continuing to issue threats against the United States. Closed-door talks held today (Sunday) in Qatar between Iranian and Qatari representatives failed to produce any significant breakthrough, with gaps between the sides remaining unchanged.
1+A source present at the closed talks told Channel 14 that the Iranians continue to dig in and refuse to reach agreements. According to the source, Tehran showed some flexibility on the Strait of Hormuz issue, but even there continues to impose excessive demands that prevent meaningful progress.
“Nothing is moving forward. Iran hasn’t budged even a centimeter. The Iranian delegation currently in Qatar is made up of people who can’t even decide what they’re allowed to eat. So they’re going to decide on an agreement with the U.S.?” the source said.
1+According to the source, despite ongoing diplomatic contacts, there’s a clear understanding that the sides are heading toward military confrontation, and that the decision on timing and nature of action rests with U.S. President Donald Trump: “Both sides know where this is going. The only question is when Trump will decide—and how. Everything else is already settled.”