Iran says US deal to end war blocked by excessive demands

A senior Iranian official said Tuesday that Iran and the United States remain far from a deal to end the war, citing Washington's "excessive demands" as a key obstacle. Tehran insists its conditions must be met before reopening the Strait of Hormuz, with nuclear talks to follow. The official stated that mediators are working to narrow diplomatic gaps, while warning Iran would respond forcefully to any US strikes. This follows Monday night's US strike on Iran's Qeshm Island, described as a limited self-defense response to an IRGC missile launch at an American aircraft. Qatar is serving as a key intermediary amid heightened diplomatic efforts to prevent a return to active conflict after the midterms. The US confirmed the strike was not a resumption of major combat operations.