Gulf states work on multipart deal to avert renewed US-Iran war

■ Steady

Gulf states draft multipart deal to avert renewed US-Iran war as Tehran says US not serious

On Wednesday, reports said Gulf-backed talks aim to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within four days of sanctions being lifted and to have the Houthis withdraw substantial forces inside Yemen. The US is aware of progress but wants a concession, possibly allowing UN weapons inspectors back into Iran. On Tuesday Iran said the US is not serious about negotiations, and UKMTO reported a ship on fire off the coast of Iraq. Putin and Qatar's Emir called for diplomacy in Moscow, and Iran's president said the Middle East can solve its own issues without the US.

• The Gulf-backed plan would reopen Hormuz within four days of sanctions being lifted, with the Houthis withdrawing substantial forces inside Yemen.
• Iran says it is preparing for a possible US and Israeli attack after the US midterms, and reports say CENTCOM has drawn up strike plans. Trump said there would be no strikes on Monday.
• Israeli media report a dispute between Netanyahu and military chief Eyal Zamir over Iran ahead of Tuesday's vote. Netanyahu denies any confrontation and the defence minister denies a rift.
• US Central Command says more than 3,000 commercial vessels have transited Hormuz with its support, and the war is raising fuel and fertiliser costs in Africa, trade officials warn.