Qatar mediates to persuade Iran on UN inspections, report says

A fresh report has been published by Axios' Barak Ravid.

• Qatar is leading mediation efforts to resume talks following the midterm elections.
• The Qatari team is attempting to persuade Tehran to permit UN nuclear inspectors in exchange for partial sanctions relief.
• Donald Trump remarked, "we need to finish the jobs through a deal or another way."

The report describes the situation as a last-ditch effort, stating that "a renewed bombing offensive appears likely shortly after the midterms without a last-minute deal." The author estimates that strikes are 85% priced in. The White House signals a short campaign, but Iran's response could determine subsequent developments. Iran's reaction might depend on the location and targets of US strikes.

According to the report, "an operation is expected to include a week of massive strikes on Iranian leadership, energy, nuclear and infrastructure targets."

Countries in the region worry that Iran could retaliate against strikes on its own infrastructure by attacking theirs.

A sequencing issue exists beyond Iran's consideration of relinquishing nuclear material. Axios reports that "Qataris presented ideas for how to bridge the gap between the U.S. demand that Iran give up its enriched uranium stockpile and Iran's insistence that the U.S. first lift its naval blockade and release Iran's frozen funds."

The proposal is probably the seven-day plan that has been circulated.