Where things stand on Iran after a tense weekend

JERUSALEM -- The Middle East is braced for a possible return to all-out war. There are concerns that the United States, along with Israel, could strike Iran shortly after Tuesday’s midterm elections in the U.S.Two Iranian officials said their delegation had left Qatar after days of discussions but that messages with the U.S. continued to be exchanged through the mediator. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the talks.The diplomatic efforts seek to avert new attacks. Tehran has expanded its threats but said it is waiting for the latest U.S. response to a proposal that would fully open the Strait of Hormuz to shipping within two days if Washington meets several conditions.Here’s where things stand Monday.U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday evening told reporters he and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had a “very good” call on Saturday. He said they discussed Iran but gave no details.Even before Netanyahu and his bloc of allies lost their majority in parliament in last week’s election, there were growing fears that Netanyahu was pushing for new strikes against Iran in an effort to stay in power in an emergency government during renewed w...