Iran Reviews Mediators' Proposals on Its Nuclear Program

Iran is reviewing a set of proposals presented by mediators that could shape the future of its nuclear program, according to five officials cited by The New York Times. The review is taking place while indirect talks aimed at ending the war between the United States and Iran continue. Mediators are third parties who pass messages between sides that are not negotiating face to face.

Iranian negotiators were in Doha on November 1 for a third consecutive day of talks with Qatari mediators, Reuters reported. Qatari mediators had returned to Tehran on October 30 to push for a deal, according to Reuters. Earlier that month, a senior Iranian official dismissed proposals as unacceptable and said Tehran would maintain its nuclear position.

The nuclear question sits at the center of the disagreement. The United States has demanded that Iran dismantle its nuclear program and stop enriching uranium, a process that can be used to produce nuclear fuel.

On October 31, Qatari mediators proposed a seven-day plan to build trust between the United States and Iran, Reuters reported. Two days later, on November 2, Iran outlined a two-day timetable for a proposed agreement with the United States, while keeping indirect negotiations open, according to Nation Thailand.

Before the US midterm elections on November 3, there were concerns that the conflict could escalate again once the votes were over, as CNBC reported.