US and Iran reach diplomatic stalemate, may resume fighting after midterms

The US and Iran have reached a diplomatic stalemate and may resume fighting after the US midterm elections in November, Axios reported Wednesday, citing three sources familiar with the matter. Qatari mediators attempted to broker a breakthrough this week in New York, but neither side was willing to compromise, the sources said. Qatari officials are growing frustrated with both parties, and some US officials said President Donald Trump may order a return to combat operations after the elections. The talks included Qatari mediator Ali al-Thawadi meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and a US delegation with Jared Kushner, discussing a two-page compromise proposal on the naval blockade and nuclear concessions. Iran's Mohsen Rezaei said Trump is "incapable of making a decision," while Trump claimed Iran is "doing very badly" and will eventually give up.