Iran sets conditions for Hormuz reopening as Trump says a deal may come after the midterms

Iran is negotiating with the U.S. through a Qatari mediator in New York and, via spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei, wants a halt to U.S. “acts of aggression,” an end to the naval blockade and economic warfare, and release of Iranian assets to end the seven-month war. Its plan targets reopening the Strait of Hormuz, which carried about a fifth of global oil and gas before the war; a senior official said the strait could reopen within a week if the U.S. eases military pressure and lifts its port blockade. At the UN on Tuesday, Donald Trump said he chose between a deal and stronger military action, reported a “very good” three-hour meeting with Iranian envoys, urged global economic isolation of Iran, and said he expects an agreement after November’s midterm elections.