US and Iran remain far apart on deal as Trump signals no rush to strike

The United States and Iran remain far apart on a deal to end their war, a senior Iranian official said Tuesday, as President Donald Trump signaled no urgency to resume major combat operations following US midterm elections. Trump, in interviews with Fox News and the Financial Times, said he was ready for military action if needed but suggested the standoff was yielding results. The US conducted limited "defensive" strikes on Iran's Qeshm island overnight, targeting surface-to-air missiles, while indirect negotiations over Iran's enriched uranium stockpile continue. Qatari mediators are working to narrow gaps between Tehran and Washington, with Iran demanding oil sanction waivers, an end to the naval blockade, and release of frozen funds. Tehran warned of a forceful response to any US strikes, while regional diplomacy, including Iranian-Saudi talks, continues to prevent further escalation.