US and Iran signal progress in talks to avoid war over Strait of Hormuz

President Donald Trump signaled progress Monday in talks with Iran to avert a return to war, as Tehran reported intensive exchanges and offered to reopen the Strait of Hormuz under strict conditions, ahead of US midterm elections Tuesday. The diplomatic signals were complicated by a Wall Street Journal report of a US strike on Iran's Qeshm island, though US Central Command did not respond. Oil prices plunged over seven percent on optimism, while Vice President JD Vance confirmed progress and Iran's foreign minister cited Qatar and Pakistan as mediators. Iran proposed reopening the strait within two days if Washington meets demands including ending the war, unfreezing assets, and lifting oil sanctions. China urged diplomacy, while Trump maintained threats against Tehran, which warned of a comprehensive response to any aggression.