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The United States is sending more naval assets and ground personnel to the region, alongside proposed arrangements to escort ships and clear mines in the Strait of Hormuz. The move comes amid pressure on Iran’s oil exports and US threats to launch a large-scale attack, prompting Iranian officials to warn of a more destructive response.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations agency said a tanker caught fire after being struck by an unidentified projectile while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, with no crew members injured. The incident coincides with the disclosure of an Iranian bill requiring permits for some vessels and banning the passage of vessels from countries Tehran classifies as hostile.
Washington has expanded sanctions on Iran to include the automotive and rail sectors and a Russia-linked financial network, while President Donald Trump said renewed bombing after the midterm elections remained possible, as about 9,000 US personnel head to the Middle East aboard a naval group.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry summoned the British ambassador to Tehran, Hugo Shorter, to protest British allegations that there were indications of a role for Tehran in a security incident near RAF Fairford. British police are continuing to investigate five suspects released on bail, while Iran denies any connection to the incident.
Members of the Fatemiyoun militia, composed mainly of Afghan fighters and affiliated with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, have appeared in armed training exercises and patrols in Sistan and Baluchestan province. Local reports said hundreds of them had been stationed near the borders with Afghanistan and Pakistan, prompting local criticism and questions about the nature of their assigned missions.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations received a report that a liquefied natural gas carrier was hit by an unknown projectile in the Strait of Hormuz, while authorities began an investigation to determine its nature and source. The authority urged transiting vessels to exercise caution amid a dispute between Washington and Tehran over navigation arrangements in the strategic waterway.
A well-informed official said Qatar had delivered Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi the US response to Tehran’s proposal, which includes steps to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and resume negotiations within seven days, following a round of indirect contacts on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly meetings in New York.
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Ghalibaf objected to aspects of a government decision that extended legal and regulatory deadlines affected by the war, asking President Masoud Pezeshkian to rectify the violation and inform him of the outcome. While the objection centres on how the deadlines were amended, researchers and politicians say the dispute does not yet represent a rift between the two men.
Tehran has signalled that it may act pre-emptively if preparations for a new attack against it are confirmed, while US Vice-President JD Vance said an agreement remains possible provided Iran honours its commitments. The escalation comes amid continuing regional mediation efforts and reports of a new incident involving a vessel transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran's Revolutionary Guard has affirmed that its forces are ready to respond to any new attack, threatening to use new weapons that are being produced in large quantities. The message, which it said was addressed to the American people, came amid military tensions and diplomatic efforts to return Tehran and Washington to negotiations.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran was awaiting, through Qatari mediators, Washington’s final response to a proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within a week in return for lifting the naval blockade, releasing frozen funds and easing sanctions. Washington insists that any agreement must be linked to progress on the nuclear file, after President Donald Trump announced his rejection of the plan in its proposed form.
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf linked the continuation of regional oil exports to Tehran’s ability to sell its own oil, warning of a swift and harsh response to any military action. His remarks come as Iran’s ability to export through the Strait of Hormuz declines and indirect contacts with Washington continue to reduce tensions.
Washington warned of consequences for any Iranian attack on its interests, while Iran’s parliament began considering a bill to withdraw from the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. The escalation comes amid mediation efforts to end a war that has continued for seven months and conflicting reports about a possible US offer to ease sanctions in return for progress on the nuclear issue.
Tehran is awaiting an official response from Washington through mediators in Qatar and Pakistan on a conditional plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within seven days, despite US President Donald Trump announcing his rejection of it. While Iran remains committed to negotiations, it has warned that it may resort to a military response if it comes under a fresh attack.
The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Navy said it had detained a US-made Remus 600 unmanned vehicle while it was operating in the Strait of Hormuz, accusing it of carrying out a spying mission. It added that the operation relied on intelligence capabilities and electronic warfare technologies, and that Iranian specialists were examining the vehicle to recover the data stored on it.
Tehran said reopening the Strait of Hormuz and halting the fighting require its conditions to be met and a negotiated agreement to be reached, after US President Donald Trump announced that he had rejected an Iranian proposal delivered through Qatari mediators. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the mediators had not formally conveyed the final US position to Iran.
Iranian Armed Forces spokesman Abu al-Fadl Shakarchi said his country’s forces were fully prepared, warning that any new US or Israeli attack would be met with stronger, broader and more precise strikes. He added that Tehran had developed its missile and drone capabilities and would use new military technologies in any potential confrontation.
Iran and the United States continue indirect talks in New York, while Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi awaits a written response through mediators to a proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 7 days. Washington is maintaining conditions concerning Iran’s nuclear programme, missiles and regional policies.
Iran’s Supreme National Security Council said Tehran does not intend to respond militarily to restrictions imposed on its air traffic, noting that negotiations are under way to lift them and that non-military options are available. The position came after Iraqi airports suspended flights to and from Iran amid US threats to impose sanctions.
Iran opened its schools for in-person classes after President Masoud Pezeshkian took part in a ceremony marking the start of the academic year, as more than 16.5 million students returned to classrooms amid fears linked to war, pressure from the university entrance exam and rising school-supply costs, with annual inflation reaching 69.9%.
European Council President António Costa urged Tehran, during a call with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, to resume co-operation with the International Atomic Energy Agency and halt its strikes against neighbouring countries. Pezeshkian meanwhile told the United Nations General Assembly that his country remained ready for diplomacy, provided it was not conducted under the threat of force.
Through Qatari mediation in New York, Tehran presented Washington with a package of demands including an end to the war, the lifting of the maritime blockade and the release of frozen assets, while proposing the experimental opening of the Strait of Hormuz for 7 days. Discussions are focused on an interim understanding to reduce tensions and restore shipping, amid disagreement over whether to include the nuclear issue and the scale of mutual concessions.
Rights groups have reported a rise in executions in Iran and the arrest of at least 18 Sunni Arab citizens in Ahvaz and the village of Aboudeh. Reports and analyses link the measures to efforts by the authorities to prevent renewed protests, amid economic and social pressures and a decline in the value of the rial.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is heading to New York to attend the United Nations General Assembly meetings, where he will deliver a speech on Wednesday. He has pledged to present Tehran’s position and the circumstances facing his country amid the war with the United States and the continuing dispute over reopening the Strait of Hormuz and restrictions imposed on the Iranian delegation.
