Iranian officials doubt US accord before November midterms

Iranian officials have privately voiced doubt that Tehran and Washington can reach an agreement ending hostilities and restoring normal traffic through the Strait of Hormuz before the US midterm elections in November, even as Qatari mediators pursue indirect negotiations in New York. The pessimism follows President Donald Trump’s rejection at the weekend of Iran’s seven-day proposal for reopening the waterway and restarting negotiations. Officials familiar with Tehran’s thinkin