US and regional officials: There is positive progress in negotiations. Talks are still ongoing in an attempt to reach an agreement. Two competing demands have disrupted the talks so far: the Trump administration's insistence that Iran make nuclear concessions as part of renewed talks, and Iran's demand that the United States first lift the naval blockade, release frozen funds and allow it to sell oil. Countries in the region such as Egypt, Turkey, Iraq, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are urging Iran to agree to the renewal of negotiations before the mid-term elections. Trump may be more inclined to order a major military operation if Republicans lose badly in the midterm elections.

US and regional officials: There is positive progress in negotiations. Talks are still ongoing in an attempt to reach an agreement. Two competing demands have disrupted the talks so far: the Trump administration's insistence that Iran make nuclear concessions as part of renewed talks, and Iran's demand that the United States first lift the naval blockade, release frozen funds and allow it to sell oil. Countries in the region such as Egypt, Turkey, Iraq, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are urging Iran to agree to the renewal of negotiations before the mid-term elections. Trump may be more inclined to order a major military operation if Republicans lose badly in the midterm elections.