The Wall Street Journal reported that a diplomatic delegation from Qatar visiting Tehran marked a turning point that stopped days of mutual attacks between the US and Iran. The report stated that following this contact, US President Donald Trump abandoned plans for a harsh retaliation against Iran.
According to sources speaking to the newspaper, the escalation was accompanied by developments following the downing of a US Apache helicopter. It was reported that Trump ordered retaliation against Iran after this incident and even threatened attacks that could target civilian infrastructure.
In response, Iran targeted US bases in the Gulf and US allies in the region. Thus, the crisis, which escalated over several days with reciprocal attacks, shifted to a different course through diplomatic contacts.
The report indicates that a critical threshold was crossed on Wednesday. While the Qatari delegation returned from Tehran with a new peace draft, some Pakistani officials told Trump that an agreement was close. Subsequently, Trump canceled the "harsh attacks" he had promised that evening.
However, the report also noted that not all issues between the parties have been resolved. A Qatari official said there are still significant differences between Iran and the US regarding billions of dollars in frozen assets, control over the Strait of Hormuz, and the fate of Iran's high-purity uranium stockpile.
Mediators are said to be close to an agreement that would reopen the Strait of Hormuz and ease some US sanctions, but more difficult issues like the nuclear program and Iran's overseas assets are planned to be deferred.
The process does not appear fully clear on the US side either. The report mentioned that Vice President JD Vance plans to go to Geneva to sign a memorandum of understanding, with technical talks possibly continuing later in Islamabad.
Trump reportedly became angry over a leaked document perceived as favorable to Iran and instructed his team to reject narratives suggesting the deal is weak or that Iran would receive money without fulfilling its obligations.
A senior US official stated that Iran will not receive sanction relief or economic benefits without concrete steps on its nuclear program. The official added that broader sanction relief could be considered if Tehran dismantles its nuclear facilities, ends enrichment, and cuts support to proxy armed groups like Hezbollah in Lebanon.
On the Iranian side, a cautious tone prevailed. Foreign Ministry spokesman Ismail Baei said the internal review of the agreement text is in its final stage. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had previously indicated that a digital memorandum of understanding with the US could be signed in the coming days.
