On the 3rd, Iran said talks with the US have made no new progress and reiterated
that Washington must fully and explicitly accept and implement seven conditions
before the Strait of Hormuz will be reopened. Iran said it is battle-ready and
on the highest defensive alert. Qatar, acting as mediator, said US and Iranian
parties are reviewing a mediation proposal, remain willing to continue talks but
significant gaps persist, and Qatari mediators expect responses to a new
proposal within 36 hours. President Trump said he would not rule out military
action against Iran after the US midterm elections.
