US-Iran conflict: Tehran ready for diplomacy or war as Trump expects new talks

Crude oil exports from key Middle Eastern producers climbed to 12.8 million barrels per day in September, their highest level since the US-Israel war on Iran began, Reuters reports, citing maritime intelligence firm Kpler.

The increase was driven by higher shipments from Saudi Arabia and the UAE, although exports remain below the 18.8 million bpd recorded in February, before the conflict began.

Shipments through the Strait of Hormuz have also picked up, with flows expected to reach about 7.4 million bpd this month, Reuters reported.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran remains open to diplomacy while warning that it will stand firm against any aggression.

In a post on X, Araghchi said he and President Masoud Pezeshkian had travelled to New York to pursue peace rather than promote war.

He added that Iran was prepared for 'real diplomacy' but would remain steadfast even in the event of what he described as an 'apocalyptic war'.

Despite President Donald Trump's rejection of Iran's proposal, “positive and constructive” US-Iran discussions were continuing through mediators, including on nuclear issues, Axios reported.

The report indicated that talks between Washington and Tehran are "still possible" despite Trump's "no", and saying Iran had “overplayed its hand”.

Qatar has emerged as the principal intermediary in the latest effort.

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Talks between Washington and Tehran are "still possible" despite Trump's rejection of Iran's proposal, and the US president saying Iran had “overplayed its hand”.

“Positive and constructive” discussions were continuing through mediators, including on nuclear issues, American official told Axios.

It indicates that while Trump rejected the proposal, not necessarily the diplomatic channel itself. Qatar has emerged as the principal intermediary in the latest effort.

According to Axios, Qatar's prime minister met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in New York last Thursday and discussed the potential deal with the Trump administration. Senior Qatari officials subsequently met Witkoff and briefed him.

Qatari mediators then discussed Iran's original proposal with both sides and reportedly produced a compromise proposal for Washington and Tehran to consider. Over the weekend, Qatari officials continued shuttling between the two sides over changes to the proposed text.

UK police said Sunday that five men arrested in the middle of the night near an air base used by the United States during its war against Iran are being held on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act that appeared to involve three trucks.

London's Metropolitan Police, which takes the lead on potential terrorism activities, said local police received a call at 12:45 a.m. related to the three suspicious vehicles that appeared to be traveling toward RAF Fairford, a UK-owned base that is operated by the US under an agreement dating back to the Cold War.

Another round of indirect US-Iran dialogue could happen as early as Monday, September 28, Axios reported, citing a US official and two regional sources.

Qatari mediators are shuttling between the two sides and were expected to meet separately with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US envoy Steve Witkoff.

The talks would be indirect, meaning US and Iranian officials would not necessarily sit across the same table. Qatar would carry messages between the two sides.

Day 212: Trump expects talks with Iran to resume in coming week

Day 211: US military activity surges around Strait of Hormuz

Day 210: Trump discusses Iran conflict with Xi Jinping

Day 209: Iran's Pezeshkian vows no surrender as US talks loom

Day 208: Trump tells Arab leaders Iran deal gaining momentum

Day 207: Trump says US, Iranian officials had 'productive' talks

Day 206: Iran warns it will change war’s ‘geography’ if invaded