Iran says US 'not serious' about talks; ship on fire off Iraq

■ Steady

Iran says US 'not serious' on talks as a ship burns off Iraq; strike fears persist

Early Tuesday, Iran said the United States is not serious about negotiations, and UKMTO reported a ship on fire off the coast of Iraq in the northern Persian Gulf. On Monday, Trump said there would be no strikes on Iran that day, while Iran warned renewed US-Israeli attacks would achieve no different outcome. Reports of Pentagon plans for strikes after the US midterms, and of tension between Netanyahu and Israel's military chief, continue to circulate ahead of Israel's Tuesday vote.

• Trump said on Sunday the US was weighing an attack as soon as that day or a major deal. On Monday he said no strikes would come that day.
• Israeli media report military chief Eyal Zamir demanded written authorisation over escalation fears. Netanyahu denies any confrontation, and Israel's defence minister denies a rift.
• Reports say hardliners in Iran are turning on President Pezeshkian over talks with the US. Iran says it is preparing for a possible US and Israeli attack after the midterms.
• US Central Command says it has supported more than 3,000 commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. Officials warn the war is raising fuel and fertiliser costs across Africa.