Iran talks stall as US ships ships

Diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran have stalled as the United States increases its military presence in the region.

Two regional sources said that negotiations aimed at preventing an American strike are currently at an impasse. Mediators from Qatar, Russia, and China attempted to secure a breakthrough in recent days but have not yet succeeded in bridging the gap between the two governments.

Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, posted on X that the US response to Iran's demands was not convincing. He stated that Washington must provide a full and explicit answer to Iran's seven conditions before the Strait of Hormuz will be opened.

The Iranian list of demands includes a complete end to the war in Gaza and Lebanon, the lifting of all sanctions, the return of frozen assets, and compensation for war damages. It also calls for international guarantees against future attacks and recognition of Iranian sovereignty over the strait.

US military cargo aircraft have been tracked arriving at bases in Israel from Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas. Flight tracking data shows several planes landing in recent days. Fort Bliss serves as a major center for air and missile defense training and houses interceptors and defense systems.

The aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt is currently near the Strait of Malacca in Asia. The ship is expected to enter the US Central Command area of responsibility by next week. This move could bring the total number of US carriers in the Middle East to three, a level of presence not seen in previous operations.

US officials told The New York Times that Central Command prepared plans for strikes as early as Wednesday, following the midterm elections. The decision on whether to execute the strike rests with the US president.