US peace talks off without sanctions removal, Iran tells Pakistan
Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian told visiting Pakistani Field Marshal Asim Munir that the US must lift threats and sanctions before any talks, according to Iranian state media. Qatar said communication between Iran and the US had not stopped and that the aim was a solution as soon as possible. Reuters quoted Iranian officials as saying Tehran was deliberately prolonging negotiations with Washington to weaken US President Donald Trump politically before November's midterm elections.
Why it matters: The impasse bears on energy security, with shipping through the Strait of Hormuz severely disrupted and Iranian officials linking mediator visits to oil prices.