Iran prepares for possible renewed US attacks after American midterms

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US reportedly strikes Qeshm Island as indirect talks continue and Brent falls over 6%

The US reportedly struck Iran's Qeshm Island on Monday, described as the latest in a series of limited strikes carried out secretly in recent weeks, while President Trump signalled progress in talks. Iran says the ball is in Washington's court and that the US must lift its naval blockade and meet its demands in full. Brent crude fell more than 6.5% on Monday to as low as $105.55 a barrel, its lowest since 16 October, on hopes of a breakthrough. Iran and Gulf states are reported to be preparing for possible renewed US attacks after Tuesday's US midterms.

• Iran's foreign ministry says it is in intensive indirect talks to avert a new round of US attacks, and says it has a two-day plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz if the US meets its demands.
• Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu says he wants to "finish the job"; Trump repeated at a Sunday rally that he might give Tehran "the hammer".
• Iran's IRGC says two tankers hit mines and caught fire in the Strait of Hormuz.
• Talks in Doha ran into a third day, with Qatar trying to negotiate the release of more than $6bn in Iranian assets.