Qatari mediators return to Tehran in a last-ditch push to broker an interim deal between the US and Iran

Qatar's mediators have made an unannounced return to Tehran, pushing Iranian officials to accept a preliminary agreement that would pause hostilities while broader nuclear and sanctions terms are negotiated. The visit came as US Secretary of State Marco Rubio hosted G20 foreign ministers, where the Iran conflict is sharply dividing member states.

The Qatari delegation is pressing for an interim deal rather than a comprehensive settlement, buying time for fuller negotiations.

Rubio's G20 talks are complicated by allied disagreements over both the Iran war and the Ukraine conflict, leaving Washington with limited multilateral cover.

Congressional Democrats are simultaneously pushing for legislation to claw back war powers from the president, arguing any Iran deal must have Capitol Hill backing.