US-Iran talks on Strait of Hormuz enter third day in Doha

Gulf officials are bracing for a potential escalation as Washington weighs an Iranian proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, with indirect talks in Doha entering a third day ahead of US midterm elections Tuesday. Qatar is mediating the release of over $6bn in Iranian assets, which could lead to the strait's reopening and renewed nuclear negotiations. UAE envoy Anwar Gargash said relations with Iran are essential, though he acknowledged being "braced for the worst." The mediation continues despite a missile strike on a Qatari LNG tanker Friday, which had received safe-passage approval from Tehran. Iran has offered to reopen the strait within two days of US sanctions relief, while its parliament deputy speaker reiterated refusal to discuss the nuclear programme.