Iran and US remain far apart on ending conflict, senior official says

Iran and the United States remain far from a deal to end their conflict, a senior Iranian official said, despite intensified diplomatic efforts to prevent renewed major combat after the US midterm elections. The US carried out overnight "defensive" strikes on Iran's Qeshm island targeting surface-to-air missiles, though a US official said the strikes were limited and did not signal a resumption of major operations. Qatar has stepped up mediation, with its team traveling to Tehran for talks on a draft deal, while Iran insists its conditions must be met for the Strait of Hormuz to reopen. Iran's Parliament Speaker said the ball is in Washington's court, and Tehran has threatened forceful responses without geographic limits. President Donald Trump cast doubt on resuming strikes after the vote, saying a deal "could happen." Regional efforts continue, including Iranian-Saudi talks on new security arrangements, as Houthi attacks escalate near key shipping routes.