Brian Whitaker

Diplomacy marathon underway as Iran delegation keep talking with Qatar mediators in Doha in bid to prevent an existential war. Araghchi says his team has cut the point at which Iran lift Hormuz blockade and can start nuclear talks from 7 to 2 days once US sanctions lifted. In theory the strait could open before the US midterms !! The route through which ships would travel is only the route previously agreed between Iran and Oman. All other routes close. No agreement yet on return of UN nuclear inspectors to look at bombed nuclear sites but significant the issue is in mix. A new protocol to inspect bombed nuclear sites is required Iran says. No need for direct talks with the US at this stage, Araghchi said. Iran’s Supreme Leader - after meeting military leaders - has lifted restrictions on missile range, and broadened the target bank. “Any level or type of threat must be met with an immediate, impactful, and geographically unrestricted response.” Rezaei sect of supreme national security council in Iran TV says US tone in Vance letter to him has completely changed. Welcomes this as positive. Adds no new decision has been made regarding changes to the nuclear doctrine; “of course, the discussion has been raised that if the war resumes, do we want to maintain the previous doctrine or not?” Rezaei is the man that the US had adjudged speaks for those truly in power. Trump “We may witness a major peace agreement at the G20 summit, involving Russia, Ukraine, and Iran”. Rubio “decision to restart war not made”. No one can accuse Qatar of allowing the world to sleepwalk into a war. In essence any return to war will be because the bonds of trust required in an agreement containing stages simply could not be created.