US and Iran hold quiet talks as Middle East tensions persist

President Donald Trump said Sunday that renewed US military attacks on Iran are "highly unlikely" if Tehran makes progress toward an agreement on its nuclear program and the Strait of Hormuz, offering his clearest indication yet that intensified diplomacy could avert another major round of fighting. The comments follow Republican losses in Tuesday's midterm elections, which Vice President JD Vance cited as partly due to the war. Secretary of State Marco Rubio cautioned Sunday that the sides are not "on the verge of a breakthrough," while Qatar mediates talks covering Iran's nuclear program, frozen assets, and compensation demands. Iran insists on seven preconditions for negotiation, including ending the war and lifting a maritime blockade, while Washington seeks elimination of Iran's nuclear program. Both sides face domestic pressure, and the risk of resumed conflict remains as US forces and Iranian attacks on shipping continue.