Gulf states fear renewed US-Iran war after US midterms

■ Steady

Trump again threatens to resume strikes on Iran as Doha talks continue

On Sunday President Trump repeated at a campaign rally that he might resume strikes on Iran at an unspecified time, after earlier saying he would not strike before the US midterms. Iran's IRGC says two tankers hit mines and caught fire in the Strait of Hormuz, and Iran warns a renewed war could outlast the last one. Indirect talks in Doha ran into a third day on Saturday, with Qatar seeking the release of more than $6bn in Iranian assets, and Gulf officials say they fear a return to war after Tuesday's midterms.

• The IRGC says two tankers struck mines and caught fire in the Strait of Hormuz; Trump again says the conflict will end soon and urges Iran to make a deal.
• Foreign Minister Araghchi says Iran and Qatar have a plan to reopen the Strait within two days, provided the US meets Tehran's conditions.
• Iran's security chief called a letter reportedly sent by Vice-President JD Vance a 'positive' shift, and the US and Iranian foreign ministers say a diplomatic end remains possible.
• Iran's supreme leader says any retaliation would not be limited by geography, and Iranian lawmakers have urged withdrawal from the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.