Iran and US remain far from agreement despite Qatari mediation

A senior Iranian official said Tuesday that Iran and the United States remain far from reaching an agreement to end the war, despite intensified Qatari mediation efforts to bridge differences and prevent new escalation after the U.S. midterm elections. The U.S. conducted "defensive" strikes on Iran's Qeshm Island overnight, targeting surface-to-air missiles used against American assets, according to U.S. officials, who described the strikes as limited and not indicating a resumption of widespread combat operations. Qatar has intensified mediation, with Qatari mediators traveling to Tehran for talks on a draft agreement being negotiated for eight days, and responses from both sides are expected within 36 hours. Iranian officials said Tehran will not accept "excessive U.S. demands" and will respond forcefully to the strikes, while oil prices rose 1.3 percent after falling seven percent the previous day. Iran's Revolutionary Guard reported shooting down a U.S. drone and two others near the Strait of Hormuz, and hardline media suggested U.S. facilities in several European countries could be targeted if war resumes.