As tensions between Iran and Israel escalate toward full-scale conflict, Tehran is seeking diplomatic support from regional allies Qatar and Oman to mediate an end to Israel’s ongoing air campaign. Meanwhile, the US is pushing Iran back towards negotiations, demanding deeper nuclear concessions as an assurance for de-escalation.
Recently, Israeli airstrikes under “Operation Rising Lion” have targeted Iranian nuclear facilities, missile bases and military command centers. Iran responded with barrages of drones and ballistic missiles targeting Israeli cities and critical infrastructure. With casualties increasing on both sides and fears of regional conflict growing ever greater, diplomatic channels have become more involved behind-the-scenes.
Iran Turns to Gulf Neighbors Iranian officials have recently reached out to both Qatar and Oman – two states known for their neutral foreign policies and backchannel diplomacy – with requests to act as mediators between Israel and the US to facilitate an immediate ceasefire agreement. According to sources familiar with these discussions, Iranian officials have asked both nations for mediation services regarding an immediate ceasefire agreement.
Tehran views Doha and Muscat as credible intermediaries who can convey messages between Tehran, Washington and Tel Aviv, according to senior Gulf diplomats consulted by Reuters. They hope that through Doha/Muscat they may find a path toward ending strikes before more damage occurs.”
Qatar, with strong ties both to Iran and to the West, has been in contact with both American and Israeli officials, offering to host preliminary de-escalation discussions. Oman – one of the key countries involved in brokering the initial 2015 Iran nuclear deal – has already dispatched representatives to Tehran and Tel Aviv, calling for restraint between both parties.
U.S. Pushes for Nuclear Concessions
Washington is said to be actively cooperating behind the scenes with Tel Aviv on Israeli strikes against Iran. Through Qatari and Omani intermediaries, Biden administration representatives reportedly conveyed to Iran that stopping this air campaign might depend upon them agreeing to renewed limits on their nuclear program.
U.S. officials are demanding that Iran stop enriching uranium above 60% enrichment levels, allow full IAEA inspections, and freeze ballistic missile development as an act of good faith.
“There is an avenue for progress that may include direct talks between Iran and the West,” according to a State Department spokesperson. “While we support an interim ceasefire agreement with Iran, their nuclear ambitions remain a central source of worry for us.”
Strained Talks and Regional Reactions
Despite an ongoing diplomatic push, prospects of an immediate breakthrough remain uncertain. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has rejected any preconditions to negotiations, insisting Iran would only negotiate “under fire.” Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pledged that operations against Iranian nuclear and missile infrastructure will continue until its capabilities have been “crippled beyond recovery.”
Other regional players are closely following developments. Saudi Arabia and the UAE have called for “urgent restraint,” fearing any spillover effects from this conflict, while Iraq and Lebanon, already threatened by Israeli strikes against Iranian-linked militias, remain on high alert.
Outlook: Ceasefire or Conflagration? With Israel increasing airstrikes against Iran and Iran bolstering their missile forces, time is quickly running out for diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis peacefully. Qatar and Oman may provide an avenue for mediation–if both parties are willing to make concessions and compromises.
As civilians across Iran, Tel Aviv and beyond continue to take cover from missile sirens, the international community is encouraging immediate talks to restore calm in the region and avoid deeper conflict that could have worldwide repercussions. If mediation doesn’t gain traction soon, however, we could be heading toward war again with devastating repercussions.