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US President Donald Trump said on Friday, speaking ahead of the midterm congressional elections scheduled for November 3, that he believes the war with Iran will end soon, but he did not clarify how that would happen.
Trump explained in an interview with KCMO radio station in Kansas City, "This file will be closed soon. We need to ensure that there is never a nuclear weapon."
He added that the United States will not strike Iran before the elections.
The Strait of Hormuz is considered one of the vital maritime corridors for global oil transport, as it constitutes a major passage for energy exports from Gulf countries to international markets.
Commander of US Central Command (CENTCOM) Brad Cooper said regarding the removal of Iranian mines from the strait and monitoring its navigation traffic, that this comes within the framework of the United States confirming the continued deployment of its forces in the region to ensure freedom of navigation.
Cooper pointed out that US forces have observed oil tankers crossing the strait, noting that Washington's partners in the Gulf have helped transport more than 1.5 billion barrels of oil since the summer.
An informed official said that Qatari mediators returned to Tehran on Friday as part of efforts to reach an agreement between the United States and Iran.
The official added that the mediation talks are taking place in coordination with Washington.
The official Iranian news agency (IRNA) reported that the Qatari delegation, headed by the First Advisor to the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Qatar, arrived in Tehran to meet with senior officials in Iran and discuss "bilateral relations between Iran and Qatar as well as regional developments."
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said on Thursday that Tehran has repeatedly and clearly communicated its conditions to the mediators, and that no progress can be made unless its seven conditions are met.
He added, "The carrot and stick policy will not work with Iran."
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