Iran-U.S. Talks Continue Without Breakthrough

Iran and the United States are pursuing indirect, Qatar-mediated talks, but Tehran says there has been no breakthrough and any agreement depends on Washington accepting its terms, including steps tied to reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Iran had been discussing a proposal with Qatar that officials said could reopen the strait within two days; Tehran has also said its nuclear doctrine has not officially changed and its negotiating conditions remain in place. President Donald Trump says he prefers diplomacy but has not decided whether to resume military action, while warning that force remains an option. U.S. forces are reportedly positioned for a possible short-notice attack, and regional officials fear renewed fighting could bring Iranian retaliation against U.S. bases and energy infrastructure; Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly pressing Trump to strike after the U.S. midterm elections.