- US president Donald Trump has declared the Iran war effectively over and stated that the US will hold off on threatened military strikes.
- Trump confirmed he was acting at the request of neighbouring Gulf nations, although a US naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz will remain in place.
- The decision follows midterm election defeats for the Republicans, which vice president JD Vance attributed to the conflict increasing the cost of living.
- The US continues to reject an Iranian ceasefire plan, which secretary of state Marco Rubio described as unrealistic.
- While discussions with Qatari intermediaries were described as positive, senior officials remain doubtful that an imminent peace deal will be reached.
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