Pezeshkian says Middle East can solve its own issues without US

■ Steady

Iran says US not serious about talks as leaders in Moscow urge diplomacy

On Tuesday, Putin and Qatar's Emir met in Moscow and both called for diplomacy amid the US-Iran conflict. Iran's president Pezeshkian told a gas exporters' summit in Russia that the Middle East can solve its own issues without the US. Iran also says Washington is not serious about negotiations, and UKMTO reported a ship on fire off the coast of Iraq. Iran says it is preparing for a possible US and Israeli attack after the US midterms.

• Pezeshkian spoke at a summit of gas exporting countries in Russia on Tuesday.
• Reports say the Pentagon has drawn up strike plans for after the midterms; Trump has not said whether he will approve them, and said on Monday there would be no strikes that day.
• Israeli media report a dispute between Netanyahu and military chief Eyal Zamir over Iran, which Netanyahu and the defence minister deny.
• Officials warn the war is raising fuel and fertiliser costs in Africa, and Iranian hardliners are reported to be turning on Pezeshkian over talks with the US.