US-Iran Tensions Escalate Amid Ongoing Diplomatic Efforts

Fears of another military confrontation between the United States and Iran are growing, but diplomatic efforts have also intensified. Iranian negotiators spent a third consecutive day on Sunday in the Qatari capital, Doha, negotiating with mediators ahead of the November 3 US midterm elections. On the other hand, US President Donald Trump has discussed possible new attacks on Iran with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the phone, according to Reuters. A Qatari delegation had earlier traveled to Tehran to speak with Iranian officials. Trump has said the United States will not attack Iran before the vote and talks with Tehran have been positive. However, he has not ruled out the possibility of military action after the election. He said the United States could destroy Iran's remaining nuclear facilities in 10 minutes. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also quoted Trump as telling Al Jazeera news agency that a new diplomatic solution was "not a priority."