Qatari mediators return to Tehran for renewed U.S.-Iran diplomacy as Iran weighs message from Vance

Qatari mediators returned to Tehran on Friday for a renewed push toward an agreement between Iran and the United States, with the talks coordinated directly with Washington, according to an official briefed on the negotiations.

The latest diplomatic effort follows Qatar’s presentation of a draft peace proposal to Iran on Sunday. Tehran rejected the proposal as unacceptable and has insisted that its own conditions must be addressed before negotiations can advance.

The visit also comes after U.S. Vice President JD Vance sent a message to Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council. Iranian media confirmed that Tehran received the communication but said no response had yet been sent.

U.S. media reported that the outreach was intended to explore a return to negotiations and avert renewed military escalation. President Donald Trump, however, said Thursday that Vance’s communication concerned Iran’s need for medical supplies rather than an effort to restart peace talks.

Reports said Qatari mediators passed Vance’s letter to Rezaei on Sunday and that Washington has proposed direct discussions involving the Iranian official. The precise contents of the letter have not been publicly released.

Washington wants Iran’s nuclear program addressed from the outset of any renewed talks, while Tehran has demanded that the U.S. first lift restrictions on Iranian oil exports and end its blockade of Iranian ports.

The diplomatic push comes as the U.S. simultaneously strengthens its military posture in the region and considers options for renewed strikes on Iran, though Trump has not made a final decision.