The United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran may hold another round of indirect talks on Monday, September 28. The news outlet Axios reported this, citing two regional sources, while US President Donald Trump told the publication he expects contacts with Tehran to continue as early as this week, according to infohub.kz.
According to Axios, Qatar continues to play the mediating role between the two sides. Qatari representatives could hold separate meetings as early as Monday with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US presidential special envoy Steve Witkoff. The final date for the new round of talks, however, has not yet been confirmed.
"I expect new talks with Iran this week. They want to make a deal, but they are offering the wrong deal for me," Axios quoted Trump as saying.
The American president made clear he is also considering the option of resuming strikes on Iran. Responding to a journalist's question on the matter, he said he "always thinks about it."
The previous round of indirect talks took place last week in New York, on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. It involved Araghchi, Witkoff and Jared Kushner, with Qatari representatives relaying messages between the Iranian and American sides.
Tehran proposed opening the Strait of Hormuz within a week and resuming talks on its nuclear program, on condition that the United States lift its naval blockade, remove restrictions on the sale of Iranian oil and restore a ceasefire in the region. Trump said he rejected the proposal. Washington insists on Iranian concessions on the nuclear issue, while Tehran wants to focus the talks on the Strait of Hormuz and the American blockade.
Despite Trump's rejection, mediators continue to discuss a possible compromise with both sides. Araghchi said Iran is interested in a diplomatic solution and is still awaiting an official US response through the mediators.