A fresh diplomatic effort to end the eight-month Middle East war has encountered another obstacle. Qatar has presented Iran with new proposals aimed at ending the conflict with the United States and Israel. However, Tehran says the ideas are unacceptable.
The latest development comes as Pakistan and Qatar continue mediation efforts to prevent further regional escalation. The war has disrupted global oil supplies, threatened major shipping routes and expanded into neighbouring countries.
According to a Reuters report published on October 29, a Qatari proposal was presented to Iranian officials on Sunday. However, the two sides have offered different accounts of what was discussed.
Qatar Presents Seven-Day Peace Proposal
An official briefed on the negotiations said Qatar had presented a new draft agreement that could help bring the conflict to an end.
The proposal reportedly includes a seven-day timeline, with daily confidence-building measures designed to address concerns raised by both Washington and Tehran.
Several countries could also act as guarantors if an agreement is reached.
The official said Iran was considering the proposal and that a response was expected by the end of the week.
However, a senior Iranian official rejected that account. The official described Qatar’s suggestions as unacceptable ideas rather than a formal offer.
Tehran also maintained that its position on the nuclear issue remained unchanged.
Iran and United States Remain Divided
The main disagreement concerns the conditions required before negotiations can progress.
Washington wants Iran’s nuclear programme included in discussions from the beginning.
Iran, meanwhile, insists that the United States must first address its demands. These include ending the blockade of Iranian ports and lifting sanctions on Iranian oil exports.
Iran maintains that its nuclear programme is peaceful and rejects Western concerns about its military intentions.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said Tehran remained in contact with mediators and was willing to continue diplomatic discussions.
He also referred to Iran’s own seven-day proposal, which includes conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
Pakistan Continues Regional Mediation
Pakistan has remained involved in diplomatic efforts alongside Qatar as regional tensions increase.
On Monday, senior officials from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey met Iranian representatives in Tehran to discuss ways to reduce tensions.
The talks come amid renewed attacks involving Yemen’s Houthi forces and Saudi Arabia.
Recent strikes against Saudi energy infrastructure have increased concerns about global oil supplies. Crude prices rose above $115 per barrel following an attack on the Ras Tanura refinery.
Meanwhile, instability around the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb continues to threaten international shipping.
Can Diplomacy End the Middle East War?
Previous mediation efforts produced an interim peace agreement in June, but that arrangement quickly collapsed.
The latest negotiations face similar difficulties as Washington and Tehran remain divided over nuclear restrictions, sanctions and regional security.
Qatar’s new initiative could provide another opportunity for negotiations. However, Iran’s rejection of the proposed terms shows that a settlement remains uncertain.
For Pakistan and other regional mediators, the immediate challenge is keeping diplomatic channels open while preventing further escalation.
With the conflict affecting energy markets, shipping routes and neighbouring countries, the consequences of another failed peace effort could extend far beyond the Middle East.
