US and Iran are quietly negotiating as Middle East remains on edge. Here’s what to know

President Donald Trump has suggested that a major conflict with Iran is less likely following the Democratic Party's midterm election losses. In interviews with CNN and CBS' "60 Minutes," Trump expressed a preference for diplomatic solutions to the ongoing tensions between the two nations. Iran has also been actively engaged in negotiations with the United States, seeking to avert military action and open the possibility of broader talks.

However, the prospects for a deal remain uncertain as both sides continue to hold firm on their respective demands. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has cautioned that a breakthrough is not imminent. President Trump has emphasized that military action remains an option, but he has also expressed regret over the recent war and acknowledged that voters did not favor an aggressive stance.

Iran, for its part, has utilized the election results to bolster its leverage in the negotiations, asserting that the White House must now take its own stance. Despite the ongoing negotiations, both the United States and Iran continue to maintain reservations about key aspects of the discussions, including Iran's nuclear program, the Strait of Hormuz, and economic concerns.