US and Iran signal progress in talks to avert war

US President Donald Trump signaled progress Tuesday in talks with Iran to avert war, saying a deal "could happen," while Tehran reported intensive exchanges and offered to reopen the Strait of Hormuz under conditions. The diplomatic signals came ahead of US midterm elections. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said indirect talks via Qatar and Pakistan mediators were "very intensive," and Vice President JD Vance expressed optimism. However, a Wall Street Journal report of US strikes on Iran's Qeshm island, with five explosions reported, complicated the overtures. Oil prices plunged over seven percent Monday on hopes for ending the eight-month conflict. Iran proposed reopening the strait within two days if Washington meets demands including lifting sanctions and ending the war, while China urged diplomacy and Tehran vowed no compromises on its security.