Reuters: Qatari mediators have returned to Iran
Reuters: Qatari mediators have returned to Iran
10-30-2026
A source familiar with the matter told Reuters that Qatari mediators returned to Tehran on Friday as part of efforts to broker an agreement between the United States and Iran. The source added that the mediation talks are being conducted in coordination with Washington.
In the same vein, The Washington Post quoted US officials as saying that Iranian leaders viewed Vice President J.D. Vance’s direct message as a sign of respect, but there are still no indications of a softening in their stance on the nuclear issue. They added that the conflict with Iran is nearing a turning point.
The newspaper also noted that Washington wants to send a message to hardliners in Iran that Vance’s diplomatic efforts are serious. Citing officials, it said that Trump and Vance prefer a peaceful agreement with Iran to a renewed military conflict.
In contrast, US President Donald Trump claimed that his deputy’s contact with Iran was aimed at helping Tehran obtain medical supplies.
The Israeli Broadcasting Authority revealed last night that American military movements included the transfer of 10 cargo planes to Israeli air bases in the Negev amid talk of a possible renewed military confrontation with Iran. The Authority stated that the American planes landed at the “Ovda” and “Nevatim” bases, claiming that other planes were sent to military bases in Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
According to the report, the aircraft took off from Fort Bliss base in the US state of Texas, which houses one of the largest US military centers specializing in air defense, including interceptor missiles and air defense batteries.
The agency also quoted an Israeli official as saying that “Israel and the United States are coordinating closely, and although no decision has yet been made on this matter, the Americans and Israel are preparing for any decision that President Donald Trump makes.”
Meanwhile, the Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported that the Israeli army fears the United States will seek another rapid round of attacks on Iran next month, but will end it quickly with an agreement without Israel achieving its goals.
The newspaper reported that the Israeli military believes a short round of airstrikes will not topple the Iranian regime or halt Tehran’s nuclear program. It added that the Israeli security establishment is warning of a gap between the goals of Israel’s political leadership and those of US President Donald Trump.
On the ground, Tasnim News Agency, citing confirmed sources, reported that the air defenses of the Revolutionary Guard’s Aerospace Force intercepted an enemy fighter jet in the airspace of the Qeshm region, and forced it to retreat and leave the area.
A fire broke out on a tanker in the Strait of Hormuz after it was attacked with two explosive devices near the coast of the Sultanate of Oman, causing it to temporarily stop, before the fire was extinguished and it resumed its journey, without any injuries among its crew members, according to the British Maritime Trade Operations Authority.
The authority explained that a small boat approached the tanker as it was sailing outside the area and attached two explosive devices to its hull above the waterline. It added that subsequent explosions caused a fire in the engine room, temporarily disabling the tanker.
The authority also confirmed that the fire had been extinguished and that all crew members were safe, with no environmental impact reported. It noted that the tanker is currently continuing its voyage to its next port of call, without disclosing its identity or destination. The authority urged vessels transiting the area to exercise caution and report any suspicious activity, while the relevant authorities continue their investigation into the incident.
burathanews.com
