Report: Gulf Mediators Float Iran Nuclear Framework as Trump Keeps Strikes on Table

Update, Nov. 9 (evening)

Axios (Barak Ravid): a diplomat briefed on Trump's meeting with Qatar's prime minister said Trump wants a deal and will give negotiations a chance, while noting he could reverse course if Iran is not serious.

Status: UNCONFIRMED for the enrichment framework. No official confirmation from the United States, Qatar, Pakistan, or Iran.

UNCONFIRMED: Qatar-Pakistan framework (Al Hadath / Al Arabiya)

Al Arabiya and Al Hadath, citing unnamed sources, reported Monday that a Qatar-Pakistan mediation proposal has revived contacts between Washington and Tehran. Per those outlets (also summarized by Ajel and Walla), the reported outline includes:

• U.S. acceptance of Iranian enrichment on Iranian soil up to 3.67%
• Iran diluting its 60%-enriched uranium stockpile (possibly with help from a third country)
• Release of $6 billion to $9 billion in Iranian assets if a deal is reached
• Immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and lifting of the maritime blockade
• Arrangements to discuss a return of IAEA inspectors (scope not specified)

AFNS has not seen a White House, State Department, Qatari, Pakistani, or Iranian government confirmation of those terms.

Trump to Reuters: peace preferred by Gulf partners; strikes still on the table

President Trump told Reuters on Monday that "Qatar would rather see a peaceful solution" and "Saudi Arabia would rather see a peaceful solution," but "we're ready to go anytime we want" with strikes. He said he was content for now with the U.S. naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz: "We'll see where it goes. I'm prepared."

Axios reported that Trump met Qatar's prime minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, for about 45 minutes on Iran mediation after a separate session with Vice President JD Vance. A diplomat familiar with the Trump and Vance meetings described them as "positive," according to Axios reporting cited in subsequent coverage.