War diplomacy between the USA and Iran: Third day in Doha, all eyes on Trump's decision

Diplomatic initiatives to end the war launched by the USA and Israel against Iran have gained momentum. Iranian negotiators continued their contacts in Doha on Sunday to continue the talks mediated by Qatar.

An official with knowledge of the talks told Reuters that the talks have entered their third day in a row and that the parties aim to reach an agreement that will end the conflict.

The talks are being held at a time when concerns are growing that military tensions may escalate again following the midterm elections in the United States.

US President Donald Trump announced that there will be no new military operation against Iran before the Congressional midterm elections to be held on November 3.

Stating that the negotiations with Tehran were productive, Trump did not rule out the possibility that the military option could come to the agenda again after the elections.

It is considered important for the Washington administration to stop the attacks before the election in terms of continuing diplomatic initiatives in the region.

However, uncertainty continues about what policy the USA will follow after the elections.

RETALIATION WARNING FROM IRAN TO THE USA AND ISRAEL

The Iranian administration reiterated that it would respond in case of a new military attack against the country.

Tehran warned that US and Israeli targets in neighboring countries could be hit in response to possible attacks.

The war, which has been going on for eight months, has a negative impact on global oil supply and raises concerns about the conflict spreading to other countries in West Asia.

Iranian officials state that continuing negotiations will not stop the country's military preparations.

Iran's religious leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, in his statement on Saturday, instructed the armed forces to be prepared for possible attacks.

Khamenei emphasized that a new military intervention against the country should be responded to.

Following the statement, the Iranian army announced that new measures were taken to increase the level of military preparedness.

The Tehran administration stated that it will continue its efforts to strengthen the country's defense capacity while continuing its search for a diplomatic solution.

RUBIO: "TRUMP HAS NOT DECIDED YET"

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Saturday that Trump has not yet decided on new attacks against Iran.

Stating that the US administration preferred to end the conflict through diplomatic means, Rubio stated that the military option was not completely removed from the agenda.

Rubio's statements revealed that Washington is open to talks conducted through Qatar, but the decision on a possible military intervention has not yet been made.

The first phase of diplomatic contacts, mediated by Qatar, was held in Tehran, the capital of Iran, on Friday.

After Qatari mediators met with Iranian officials, contacts moved to Doha on Saturday.

The official who gave information to Reuters explained that the negotiations were coordinated in regular contact with the Washington administration.

While it is stated that the parties are trying to reach an agreement that will end the war, no statement has been made yet that a final agreement has been reached.

WAR AFFECTS GLOBAL OIL SUPPLY

The war, which started with the US and Israel's attacks on Iran and has been continuing for eight months, affects not only regional security but also global energy markets.

While the disruptions in oil supply caused by the conflicts increase uncertainty in international energy trade, developments especially around the Strait of Hormuz are followed closely.