U.S.-Iran talks yield little, raising odds of renewed combat. Qatari efforts this week to broker a U.S.–Iran breakthrough have stalled, according to three sources familiar with the talks cited in the Axios report. * Compromise proposal: Qatari mediator Ali al-Thawadi discussed a two-page plan with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in New York on Monday. Sources said it addressed Iran’s demand to lift the U.S. naval blockade and Washington’s demand for nuclear concessions. * Washington talks: Al-Thawadi later met Trump envoy Jared Kushner and other U.S. officials. Vice President JD Vance attended part of that meeting. * Conflicting signals: U.S. officials initially described the talks as constructive and discussed possible sanctions relief for nuclear steps. Hours later, Trump posted that he had offered Iran “NOTHING.” * Main obstacle: One source said Iran was seeking terms Washington could not accept, while the U.S. saw little reason to compromise. Another said Iran wanted a return to a June memorandum of understanding before considering nuclear concessions. * Escalation risk: The report says officials fear renewed fighting; some U.S. officials think Trump could order major combat operations after the midterms. That is an assessment, not an announced plan. 29-SEP-2026 07:11 PM ET