Trump says no immediate plans to strike Iran; oil edges up to $104
Trump told the FT the US has no immediate plans to strike Iran but is 'locked and loaded'; Brent rose to $104.42 as Iran says a deal is far off.
Middle East
The latest Middle East news, reporting and analysis from The Indus Compass.
Three oil tankers hit mines in Hormuz after leaving Iran's lanes, IRGC says
Iran's Revolutionary Guards Navy says three tankers hit mines in the Strait of Hormuz after using unauthorised lanes; there is no independent confirmation.
Qatar says US and Iran are trading proposals; Tehran says ball is with US
Qatar says Washington and Tehran are reviewing mediators' proposals; Iran's Ghalibaf says the ball is in America's court and Trump says he is in 'no rush'.
US strikes Iran's Qeshm Island hours after Trump says a deal 'could happen'
The US carried out limited strikes on Iran's Qeshm Island on midterm day, officials said, as Iran reported intensive talks through Qatar and Pakistan.
Saudi-led coalition says it hit Houthi resources; fire reported in Dammam
The Saudi-led coalition said it 'neutralised' Houthi missile and drone resources; Iranian media reported a strike and big fire at a Dammam industrial site.
Israeli strikes kill eight Palestinians in Gaza, five of them police
Israeli strikes killed at least eight Palestinians in Gaza, five of them police in Khan Younis, medics say; Israel says it struck militants in the area.
Iran warns a new war with the US could last longer
Iran's army says a new war could outlast the last and Trump 'would not be in a position to dictate' its end; Rezaei confirms Vance's letter, no reply yet.
Axios: Trump may strike Iran if Republicans do badly in midterms
A US official told Axios Trump could order a big Iran strike if midterms go badly; Qatari mediators held 12 hours of talks in Tehran and a fourth tanker burned.
Qatari mediators return to Tehran as Vance rules out 'forever war'
Qatari mediators returned to Tehran to push a US-Iran deal as Vance said Trump will not allow a 'forever war'; Israel's KAN reported US cargo planes in Israel.
Iran calls Qatar's new peace ideas unacceptable but talks go on
A senior Iranian official called Qatar's new seven-day draft 'unacceptable ideas', while Araghchi said Iran stays in close contact with mediators.
Israel's election ends in deadlock as Arab parties gain ground
Exit polls left Netanyahu's bloc and Eisenkot's about level at 51 seats each, short of 61, as Arab parties surged and both leaders vowed to form a government.
Iran warns ships in Hormuz of 'serious damage' if they stray from routes
Iran's armed forces chief said any vessel deviating from Iranian-designated routes in southern waters would face serious damage, as KLM cancelled winter Gulf flights.
Jordan strikes militants in Syria after deadly church attack
Jordan's air force struck groups in Syria it linked to last week's church attack in Karak, hours after three Jordanian suspects were arrested.