In brief

• Iranian negotiators held a third straight day of indirect talks with Qatari mediators in Doha on November 1.
• The talks aim at a deal to end the US-Israeli war on Iran and take place ahead of the US midterm elections on November 3.
• Trump has said the US will not launch new strikes before the vote, but has not ruled out further military action after it.
• Oil prices fell more than 1% on Sunday as the talks continued.

Talks in Doha continue

An official familiar with the talks said Iranian negotiators were back in Doha on Sunday, November 1, marking the third day in a row they met Qatari mediators (Iranian negotiators in Doha to continue talks to end the U.S.-Iran war, official says – thehindu.com) (Iranian negotiators in Doha to continue talks to end the US-Iran war, official says – Investing.com). The goal is a deal that would end the US-Israeli war on Iran. The talks are indirect and mediated by Qatar.

Midterm vote shapes the timing

Worries that fighting could flare up again after the US midterm vote on Tuesday, November 3, are weighing on the negotiations. Trump has stated Washington will hold off on fresh strikes on Iran until the vote and described the exchanges with Iranian representatives as constructive. Trump has not ruled out additional military steps after the election.

Iran's position and a draft proposal

Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has said Iran is ready for both defense and diplomacy during the stand-off with Washington. A later report said the Iranian negotiators had left Doha and that a draft proposal for a US deal was being circulated, according to an official (Iranians have left Doha talks, draft proposal for US deal being circulated, official says – Investing.com).

Oil markets

Oil prices fell more than 1% on Sunday as the talks continued (Oil slips more than 1% as talks continue on ending Iran war – Investing.com).