US weighs new Iran strikes as Vance reaches out to Tehran

■ Steady

US weighs new Iran strikes while Vance seeks to restart talks

Washington and Tehran are sending mixed signals. The US vice president wrote to an Iranian official proposing an immediate resumption of comprehensive talks, including on Iran's nuclear program, while Trump denies that peace talks are under way. The Atlantic reported that Army Lt. Gen. Brett Sylvia was removed as head of strategy, plans and policy on the Joint Chiefs of Staff as Trump appears to prepare to resume large-scale strikes. In the Strait of Hormuz, Iran's IRGC says four tankers struck mines after using unauthorised routes.

• Iran's foreign minister Araghchi says Iran is in close contact with mediators on its seven-day plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
• Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey took a diplomatic push to Tehran, and Gulf-backed talks on a multipart deal are reported to aim to reopen Hormuz within four days of sanctions being lifted.
• A British maritime agency reported a ship on fire in the Strait off Oman on Thursday, and Iran says it downed another US drone.
• The Pentagon says the war has cost US taxpayers $47bn.