New Draft Peace Deal Floated Even As US Warns Of 'Short, Intense' Iran War Renewal
There are emerging Wednesday reports that in the last days Qatari mediators presented Iran with a new draft deal to end the war, even as the Islamic Republic faces threats of a new major US attack, likely to take place after the midterm elections in early November.
An official privy to the diplomatic interaction said that Tehran is considering the draft deal and is expected to send a response to by the end of the week, according to Reuters. "The new draft being considered by Iran sets a seven-day timeline addressing both Tehran's and Washington's concerns, laying out daily confidence-building steps that each side must take, the official said," writes Reuters.
But within several hours after the Reuters report was issued, a senior Iranian official has been cited in international reports as saying Qatar has actually not presented a new proposal to end the conflict.
Tehran's stance on not wavering on the nuclear issue also remains unchanged. Washington wants the nuclear file to be central to negotiations to end the war, while Iranian leaders say its nuclear program cannot be negotiated until after hostilities end.
Tuesday saw Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Moscow, where he met with Qatar Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, PressTV has reported. The Moscow meeting took place on the sidelines of the 8th Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) summit.
As for any alleged new US 'draft deal' offer, Iran is unlikely to be in the mood for compromise so long as it remains under threat of imminent US attack. President Trump has over the least week been talking about joining up with Israel to "finish the job" against Iran.
Also there's new reporting in The Wall Street Journal which warns of preparations for a short and intense new military campaign against Iran to be launched soon after the midterm vote in the US.
"The U.S. has told several Gulf Arab countries to be prepared for a short, intense military campaign after the U.S. midterm elections, people briefed on the conversations said," WSJ writes Wednesday.
"The communications through diplomatic and military channels are among a growing number of indications that the U.S. and Israel are readying to launch a new round of heavy combat operations against Iran, risking a major escalation in hopes of degrading Tehran’s strength and pushing it toward negotiations," it continues.
And this has apparently included more costly and dwindling defenses and munitions for Israel: "The U.S. military is sending an additional Patriot system to Israel from Texas to beef up its missile defenses in the country, according to flight tracking data and two officials with knowledge of the movement," the same report reveals.
Preparations have also reportedly included moving American troops back from bases that are in or near the Gulf, putting them out of harms way in anticipation of Iran's retaliation.
More Latest Developments
via Newsquawk...
- Qatari mediators reportedly presented Iran with a new draft agreement on Sunday aimed at ending the conflict with the US and Israel, with Tehran expected to respond by the end of the week. The proposal outlines a seven-day timeline of daily confidence-building measures addressing both sides' concerns, potentially beginning early next week, with several countries acting as guarantors, according to Reuters citing an official briefed on the negotiations.
- However, according to Reuters citing a senior Iranian official, Qatar has not presented a new proposal to end hostilities between Iran and the US and that Tehran's policy of showing no flexibility over the nuclear issue remains unchanged.
- US President Trump replied anything is possible when asked if there will be strikes against Iran after the election.
- US told several Gulf Arab countries to be prepared for a short, intense military campaign after the US midterm elections, according to people briefed on the conversations cited by WSJ.
- Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi said sustainable regional security requires collective responsibility, mutual respect for sovereignty and cooperation among regional countries without foreign military intervention. In later comments, Araghchi said the destructive consequences of any military adventurism provoked by Israel in the Persian Gulf region for international markets remain a serious concern for gas exporting and gas consuming countries.
- Iranian source denied a report of a Trump-backed plan being delivered via Pakistan's army chief, stating this was completely false and that no new proposal was presented to Iran. The source added that Tehran's conditions are clear, and without a convincing response and tangible implementation, the Strait of Hormuz won't reopen.
- Israeli PM Netanyahu and rival Eisenkot both claim a mandate to lead the country following Tuesday's inconclusive election. With 48.4% of votes counted, Netanyahu's bloc is projected to secure 55 seats, Eisenkot's bloc 50 seats and Arab parties 15 seats, according to Israeli media. Seat projections remain subject to change, with definitive results expected by Thursday.