Iran after a tense weekend: what to know

The Middle East is bracing for potential all-out war amid concerns that the U.S. and Israel could strike Iran shortly after Tuesday's midterm elections, with diplomatic efforts ongoing to avert new attacks. Iranian officials said their delegation left Qatar but messages continue through a mediator, while Tehran awaits a U.S. response to a proposal on opening the Strait of Hormuz. President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu discussed Iran in a call, though details were not provided. Iran's new supreme leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, has ordered immediate responses to any threats without geographic limits, and Gulf nations warn another escalation would be more destructive. China is sending a special envoy to the region in November.