Iran Reviews Mediation Proposals on Nuclear Programme as Diplomatic Efforts Seek to Avert Escalation with US

Iran is reviewing a series of proposals submitted by mediators concerning the future of its nuclear programme, in a development that could signal progress in diplomatic efforts to end the war with the United States, according to a report published Thursday evening.

The New York Times cited five officials familiar with the negotiations, including one American and two Iranian officials, as saying that Tehran's willingness to resume nuclear discussions after weeks of rejecting concessions suggests that recent mediation efforts have achieved some progress.

The officials said Qatar has intensified its diplomatic engagement over the past week, holding two rounds of talks in Tehran and hosting a third round in Doha as part of efforts to prevent the crisis from escalating into a full-scale military confrontation.

The proposals presented to Iran were described as "concrete", although the officials declined to disclose further details about their contents.

Two officials also said Qatari representatives had recently held discussions with Iranian officials in Armenia, reflecting the continued efforts to revive diplomatic channels.

Meanwhile, three officials identified US Vice President JD Vance as one of the key supporters of Qatar's initiative to prevent further military escalation.

Vance also appeared to be distancing himself from President Donald Trump, attributing part of the Republican Party's significant losses in this week's midterm elections to the consequences of the war.

Last month, Vance reportedly sent a message to Mohsen Rezaei, head of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, proposing direct peace talks that would also address Iran's nuclear programme.

Rezaei said the message demonstrated a shift in Washington's approach towards Tehran, describing it as evidence of the "strength and victory of the Iranian people".