US carries out defensive strikes on Iran's Qeshm island; Trump promises to end Israel funding; live midterm election coverage underway
AI-generated summary
Qatar has intensified mediation efforts between the United States and Iran amid fears the conflict could flare up again after the midterm elections. The US carried out defensive strikes on Iran's Qeshm island, and Qatari mediators travelled to Tehran for talks on a draft US-Iran deal discussed over the past eight days.
Qatar has intensified mediation efforts between the United States and Iran amid fears the conflict could flare up again after the midterm elections.
US President Donald Trump renewed threats of possible military action with Iran overnight, telling Fox News: "I'm not looking to ... kill lots of people. If we have to, we'll have to."
It comes as the US carried out "defensive" strikes on Iran's Qeshm island.
Qatari mediators travelled to Tehran on Monday night local time for talks on a version of a draft US-Iran deal discussed over the past eight days.
But Iran's security chief Mohsen Rezaei said on Tuesday the US response to Iran's demands were "not convincing" and the Strait of Hormuz would only be reopened if all the conditions were met.
Polls had already opened in some states when US President Donald Trump made a final pitch to voters on Fox News earlier today.
Mr Trump promised to end $US4 billion ($5.73) in annual funding to Israel after the end of this year.
US public support for Israel has fallen since the war in Gaza began in 2023, particularly among Democrats.
Michigan voters in particular have been unhappy with US support for Israel, where progressive Democrat Abdul El-Sayed is running a closely watched campaign for Senate.
If elected, El-Sayed would be the first Muslim US senator and he has staunchly opposed unconditional military aid to Israel.
Mr Trump also said the US was close to striking a deal to resolve a long-running trade dispute with Canada.
Welcome to today's live coverage of the US midterm elections.
Voting is well underway across most states with queues forming at polling stations.
Overnight, there's been a last-ditch voting pitch from the president, a technical glitch at ballot machines in New York and plenty of action at polling stations around the country.
Stay with us as we bring you all the information you need to know and, most importantly, the results when they start to roll in later today.
There may be a cute dog or two too, it is election day after all!
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Qatar-mediated talks between the US and Iran will continue after the midterm elections
Likely · Within days
Election results will begin rolling in later on election day
Very likely · Within hours
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