Iran says US contacts continue after talks end without breakthrough

Iran said Monday that contacts with the United States to end their eight-month war are continuing, after talks with Qatari mediators ended with altered proposals but no breakthrough. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said consultations are intensive and Tehran has presented its conditions, with progress depending on Washington's political rationality. Iran's seven-step proposal remains the focus, now condensed to potentially be implemented within two days, though US President Donald Trump rejected it in September. China and Russia voiced opposition to renewed military action, with oil prices falling nearly 4% on hopes for a diplomatic solution. Iranian sources believe a new US attack remains more likely than a deal, and a Qatari LNG tanker was struck in the Gulf on Friday.