Rubio sees no breakthrough with Iran as talks stall and strikes continue

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on November 9 that he would not describe the US as on the verge of a breakthrough with Iran, calling Tehran's demands "outrageous and ridiculous" in some cases. That is the clearest sign the forecast leans against a completed 14-day pause in US strikes on Iranian territory following from a first quiet day by November 15. Reporting describes talks as stalled despite a memorandum of understanding signed in June. One report says the two sides have continued to exchange strikes, though without returning to the intense fighting of the war's early stages. A Baku-based outlet reported US airstrikes on Qeshm Island, with Iranian officials saying there were no casualties, though that report gives no date for the strike. Earlier history, from before the market opened, includes a reported US strike on an anti-aircraft launcher on Qeshm on November 6. There are reasons for caution about the lean. Trump is reported to be willing to give diplomacy more time, and said further strikes are "highly unlikely" if Iran signs a strong agreement. Qatar's prime minister is due to meet him on Monday, November 9, to press for a new ceasefire. Reports also say US forces can strike at short notice if ordered, and Trump has said additional infrastructure targets, including bridges, have been identified. Iran's foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, warned of renewed fighting unless the US accepts Tehran's proposal. The thing to watch is the outcome of Trump's meeting with Qatar's prime minister, and whether any new US strike on Iranian soil follows.