Negotiations falter as Trump may return to striking Iran forcefully
Axios reported, citing three informed sources, that efforts by Qatari mediators this week produced no diplomatic breakthrough between Washington and Tehran, that progress remained limited, and that neither side showed readiness to retreat from its position. US officials believe President Donald Trump may order a return to wide-ranging strikes and combat operations after the midterm elections. Two sources said the Qatari mediators intend to continue their attempts but have shown growing frustration with both sides, and one source said there was no tangible progress in Monday's talks.
Why it matters: The impasse bears directly on the briefing's escalation theme: mediation has not yielded a diplomatic breakthrough and US officials believe wide-ranging strikes may resume after the midterm elections.