The front turns on Iran: The mediators demand Tehran compromise | Report

International mediators are pressuring Iran to offer a significant concession on its nuclear program, in an attempt to bring Trump back to the negotiating table. This follows Trump's rejection of an Iranian proposal for a seven-day truce that included opening the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for lifting the naval blockade. Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi warns that Iran is prepared for a doomsday war.

International mediators are today (Monday) applying heavy pressure on Tehran to agree to a substantial concession on its nuclear program, in an effort to restart ceasefire talks. The urgent diplomatic move comes after US President Donald Trump rejected an Iranian proposal for a seven-day truce, which included opening the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for lifting the American naval blockade, as reported by the Wall Street Journal. The mediators are working to bring Tehran to present an achievement on the core issue Trump has set—denying Iran's ability to obtain nuclear weapons. However, they admit the chances are low, as Iran refuses to submit to American dictates and demands that Washington give in first. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi sharpened the message in an interview with NBC: "We are completely prepared for the resumption of war and for any aggression, even if it leads to a doomsday war. At the same time, we are prepared for diplomacy—the choice is in President Trump's hands." In Washington, assessments are that the naval blockade is severely damaging the Iranian economy, so there is no reason to compromise early. According to reports, Trump sees the resumption of military strikes on Iran as a likely scenario after the midterm elections in November. The Prime Minister of Qatar warned that there is no clear overarching strategy for ending the conflict.