According to the Wall Street Journal, citing US officials, the US military conducted a limited response to rocket fire by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) by targeting and destroying a missile launcher on Qeshm Island. This attack is part of a series of limited and covert attacks by the US against the Islamic Republic.
Donald Trump, President of the United States, meanwhile stated that Iran wants an agreement and that a deal is possible. A US official also emphasized that the operation was done in self-defense and aimed at preventing escalation of conflicts.
Reports of several similar attacks in recent weeks have been published, but no official declaration of war or significant escalation has been made by the parties, and the future situation remains uncertain.
A few days before the U.S. midterm elections, Qatari mediators negotiated for more than twelve hours in Tehran with the Islamic Republic, with talks expected to continue in Doha. Media reported that the U.S. has warned its allies to be ready for a possible attack on the Islamic Republic starting Wednesday, November 4 (13 Aban).
The leader of the Islamic Republic, in a meeting with military commanders, warned that if the U.S. or Israel attack, the Islamic Republic will respond swiftly and strongly and only the Islamic Republic will set the timing and conditions to end the war.
There are also reports of disagreement among Donald Trump's close associates; the foreign and defense ministers are skeptical about reaching an agreement with the Islamic Republic, but some advisors want to continue negotiations. In the event of diplomatic failure, a military attack will likely be short and intense. These developments carry significant importance for regional stability.
According to American media reports, Washington has issued warnings about threats from the Islamic Republic and received information about potential assassination plans targeting American officials. The US government is also reducing the number of diplomats and their families in the Middle East region. The US Ambassador to the United Nations stated that a new attack on the Islamic Republic might occur in the coming days. Meanwhile, Donald Trump has raised the possibility of a military strike against the Islamic Republic, reflecting growing concerns and ambiguity in US strategy.
At the Istanbul meeting, the foreign ministers of Germany and seven European and regional countries announced their readiness to cooperate in finding diplomatic solutions regarding the war with Iran. They warned Tehran and the Houthis against attacking ships and stated that war with Iran has no military solution. Hakan Fidan, Turkey's foreign minister, also opposed a renewed military attack on Iran and warned about the expansion of the regional war.
According to a report by Iran International, the UK prosecutor stated that the suspects consciously collaborated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in planning the attack on journalists Kambiz Hosseini and Mojtaba Pourmohsen by visiting target locations and preparing photos and videos.
Experts and commanders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced that the Islamic Republic will respond militarily beyond the West Asia region to any possible aggression by the United States or Israel. They said that the era of the missile limitation doctrine and extraregional restraint has ended, and now all targets are within the IRGC's reach.
Donald Trump said that the U.S. has destroyed a large portion of the Islamic Republic's military power but still needs to "finish work on one or two targets," including the nuclear facility at Kooh Kalang.
Reports indicate Trump had a call with the Israeli Prime Minister in which they discussed the possibility of military strikes following the U.S. midterm elections; the U.S. has warned its allies in the Gulf region to be prepared for a short and intense period of potential attacks. Trump said, "We have a plan," and that only "one or two sites" remain to be dealt with "within 10 minutes."
Mojtaba Khamenei's official website reported that during a meeting with the armed forces' commanders, he ordered that responses to any threats be immediate and without geographical limitation. This meeting took place amid increasing worries about a potential military attack on the Islamic Republic, while diplomatic efforts to bring parties back to the negotiating table continue.
Iran International reported that Qatari mediators are conducting negotiations in Tehran to resume direct talks between the Islamic Republic and the U.S. Tasnim, quoting a senior security official from the Islamic Republic, wrote that the government’s military response plan is complete and the decision for a broad response to any attack is final.
Additionally, Yedioth Ahronoth reported that explosions occurred in the Persian Gulf and the Islamic Republic claimed damage to several oil tankers. Donald Trump said the Islamic Republic intends to negotiate and that the U.S. has time. These developments indicate the complexity of the security and diplomatic situation in the region.
The Financial Times reported that Islamic Republic forces attacked the hull of an oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz using limpet mines. This is the first such attack since 2019.
Reuters news agency reported that the Islamic Republic, by leveraging a vast network composed of 5,000 entities linked to the Ministry of Defense, has succeeded in importing the equipment and materials needed for its missile and drone programs, despite Western sanctions. This network has provided means to circumvent these sanctions. (Source: Reuters, DW Persian)
According to diplomatic sources, the US State Department has warned its allies in the Middle East that clashes with the Islamic Republic might soon resume and that the Islamic Republic may target energy infrastructure. Meanwhile, Donald Trump has denied reports that he instructed his deputy to initiate peace talks with the Islamic Republic. These developments come after the US midterm elections. There has also been increased hope for resuming peace negotiations to end the Islamic Republic's war, which has led to a drop in oil prices, although clashes in the region continue.
Sources:
US warns allies about escalation of war with Islamic Republic (Haaretz)
Oil prices drop due to hope for peace talks (Iran International)
Trump denies order to start negotiations (DW Persian)
Pete Hegseth, U.S. Secretary of Defense, has dismissed Lieutenant General Brett Sylvia, the senior planning official at the Pentagon. This sudden change took place without any announcement or appointment of a successor. This development comes amid ongoing consideration of the possibility of resuming military attacks against the Islamic Republic following the midterm elections.
The Associated Press, citing two informed diplomats, reported that the U.S. warned its regional allies to be ready for possible attacks on the Islamic Republic after the U.S. midterm elections and to anticipate retaliatory reactions from Tehran. Donald Trump has not yet made a final decision.
Fox News reported on the readiness of the US and Gulf Arab states for a short, intense military campaign against the Islamic Republic after the US midterm elections. In Israel, Defense Minister Katz, responding to Gadi Eisenkot's warning about the political use of security, accused him of inviting the army to disobey the government and emphasized that the army will carry out any necessary decisions regarding Iran. The head of Hezbollah called the mediation framework between the US and Israel illegitimate and expressed opposition to Hezbollah's disarmament. Hebrew media reported that a Trump advisor is trying, under his instruction, to initiate nuclear negotiations with the Islamic Republic. After the elections, Trump emphasized support for Netanyahu and insisted on ending the Islamic Republic's nuclear file. The Islamic Republic's parliament deputy speaker announced that the Islamic Republic is seriously implementing the Leader's order to end the war. In Israel, reactions continue regarding the appointment of an interim governor and possible limitations on Netanyahu. Reports also indicate an increase in Russian nuclear experts in Iran and close diplomatic contacts between Iran and mediators. Additionally, a US senator criticized Trump for leading the US toward war with the Islamic Republic against the will of the people.
Reports reveal that Houthi forces in Yemen and militias backed by the Islamic Republic have used intelligence from Russian spy satellites and Chinese technologies to carry out attacks on oil and military targets in Saudi Arabia. The Guardian states that Gulf countries are negotiating a multilateral deal to avoid another war with the Islamic Republic. Reuters analysis reports that Israel’s interim government after recent elections may have restrictions on authorizing war, but still retains significant decision-making powers. Flights at Aden airport were suspended following Houthi missile strikes, a sign of continuing regional tensions.
The Wall Street Journal, citing informed officials, reported that the US has notified Arab Gulf countries that there is a possibility of a short but intense war with the Islamic Republic after the US midterm elections. Donald Trump, when asked about the possibility of an attack after the elections, said: “Anything is possible.” Reports indicate that the potential military operation might target the Islamic Republic's nuclear infrastructure and facilities. The US has increased its forces in the Gulf region.
Iran International has obtained exclusive documents indicating that a quasi-military coup has started within the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Intelligence Organization. This coup was initiated by a secret letter from Ali Shamkhani to Ali Khamenei and aimed to revive the corruption network in the oil sales sector and seize control of the sanctioned oil market. The documents also reveal the theft of billions of dollars in this area.
Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, emphasized at the United Nations Security Council meeting on the Islamic Republic’s nuclear file that without allowing inspectors access to the nuclear facilities and uranium stocks of the Islamic Republic, achieving a sustainable nuclear deal and diplomatic solution is impossible.
Spiegel wrote in an analysis that tensions in the Persian Gulf have increased and the likelihood of a military conflict between the US and the Islamic Republic has grown. The analysis questioned whether diplomacy can still prevent the expansion of this conflict. (Source: DW Persian)
The New York Times, citing two diplomats familiar with the matter, reported that Qatar is drafting a plan for a possible five-day agreement between the Islamic Republic and the US. This potential agreement includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz, lifting the blockade of Iran's ports, and securing nuclear concessions from Tehran. The main disagreement concerns the timing of the implementation of commitments, which has prevented finalization of the agreement.
According to Lebanese and international sources, Hezbollah is strengthening its military capabilities with financial aid from the Islamic Republic, including producing explosive drones and rebuilding its command structure damaged in previous battles. These developments occur amid concerns of heightened tensions between the Islamic Republic and the US. Hezbollah is also striving to avoid actions that would give Israel a pretext for a broader attack.
Reports indicate that the US military is preparing to carry out a wide-scale attack against the Islamic Republic within the next 96 hours. This readiness is reported amid efforts by Israel's Prime Minister to coordinate a joint strike with the US, though disagreements exist between him and Israel’s military commanders. There was also an attack in Iraq that has increased pressure and security concerns. These developments come as elections approach in Israel, causing regional concern.
According to a New York Times report, new information has been revealed regarding the Islamic Republic's possible plans to attack diplomats and US government officials. Two high-ranking officials of the Islamic Republic have confirmed that retaliation against the US and Israel for killing Iranian commanders is on the agenda, and Americans are considered legitimate targets. This situation could escalate the security crisis due to miscalculations.
Donald Trump spoke about the possibility of an attack on the Islamic Republic as well as the potential for an agreement with this regime. He accused the Islamic Republic’s leaders of killing at least 75,000 protesters and said the media do not cover this issue. Trump emphasized that his goal is to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.
American sources have reported that Iran has increased its efforts to assassinate diplomats and senior American officials in the Middle East, and these plans have reached advanced stages. In response to these threats, the US has reduced non-essential personnel and their families at its embassies in Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Lebanon, Qatar, and the UAE. There is also the possibility of Iranian agents operating within the US and targeting Europe. (Sources: Haaretz, US State Department, ynet)
Officials of the Islamic Republic, amid mediation negotiations about war, have warned that they will respond quickly and forcefully to any threat. A senior official stated that there is no discussion about the nuclear program in these negotiations and that a possible future war could be longer than before. The head of the National Security and Foreign Policy Committee of the Iranian Parliament stated that the Islamic Republic determines the end time of the war. A spokesman for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps added that the war with the US will have no geographical limits.
On Monday, November 2, Donald Trump said he prefers that economic pressures continue to compel Tehran toward an agreement. He also emphasized he will not allow the Islamic Republic to acquire nuclear weapons and that if negotiations fail, the military option remains on the table, but he is not eager to initiate a war.
US fighter jets repeatedly and nightly fly in the Strait of Hormuz, increasing pressure on their forces and crews. At the same time, Kowsari spoke about the Islamic Republic's multi-decade plan to control the Strait of Hormuz and the goal of expelling the US from the region. These developments come amid escalating tensions between the US and the Islamic Republic.
Gret Vance, former U.S. Vice President, said in an interview that Trump will not let a war with the Islamic Republic become prolonged. It has also been reported that the U.S. government has increased diplomatic pressure with preconditions for resuming nuclear talks with Tehran and uses the threat of war as a leverage tool.
Some members of U.S. security institutions have warned that a swift attack may not achieve the political goals of Israel and the U.S.
These events highlight the security and diplomatic complexities surrounding tensions with the Islamic Republic.
Sources: Deutsche Welle Persian, Haaretz, Yedioth Ahronoth, Mako
The U.S. Vice President has sent a direct letter to a senior official in the Islamic Republic emphasizing that any negotiation with the Islamic Republic must include discussion of Iran’s nuclear program. This is the first direct contact at the highest level in recent months.
This move coincides with the Trump administration’s assessment regarding the possibility of resuming large-scale military attacks after elections.
According to Iran International, quoting a senior official of the Islamic Republic, the ideas presented by Qatar to end the conflict with the US have been declared unacceptable by Tehran. The official stated that the Islamic Republic emphasizes its positions, particularly on the nuclear file, and that no fundamental change in views has occurred.
The New York Times wrote that Benjamin Netanyahu in recent days wanted an operation against the Islamic Republic that could strengthen his political position; this could have been an overt attack or covert operation. Gadi Eizenkot, Chief of Staff of the Israeli army, opposed this move and, due to concerns over miscalculations with the Islamic Republic, delayed it. (Sources: DW Persian, Ynet Hebrew)
Officials and analysts close to Israel say that intelligence data indicates the Islamic Republic's intent for certain moves, but currently no urgency for military action has been reported. Donald Trump has again made his baseless allegation that the Islamic Republic initiated the war. Experts believe these statements add complexity to the political and security atmosphere as Israel's elections near, raising concerns about their security impact on the electoral process.
The magazine "The Hill" cited informed sources reporting that the US Army has prepared several operational options for a renewed attack on targets of the Islamic Republic after the US midterm elections on November 3. However, the execution of these plans depends on approval from Donald Trump, the former president and likely presidential candidate, and no final decision about military action has been made yet.
The Wall Street Journal reported that the US fleet in the Middle East region is increasing its weapons stockpiles and preparing for the possibility of renewed attacks against the Islamic Republic. These actions occur if an order to attack is issued.
Major General Abdollahi, Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic, stated that the entry of US military vessels into the Persian Gulf is not possible and will never be allowed.
In an attack by armed Palestinian men in the city of Hebron, two Israeli soldiers were killed and three others wounded. Israeli forces have killed two attackers. Benjamin Netanyahu, after visiting the scene of the incident, announced the start of a house-to-house operation in Hebron.
The hijab ban in certain schools in the Republic of Azerbaijan has led to protests within the country. This issue has sparked demonstrations in front of Azerbaijani diplomatic missions in London, Berlin, and Ankara. The Islamic Republic of Iran supports the right of veiled girls to education, and this matter has intensified diplomatic tensions between Tehran and Baku.
As the cold season approaches, warnings about gas and electricity shortages in the Islamic Republic have intensified. Part of the energy infrastructure was damaged in the recent war. Officials and contractors from the Islamic Republic have reported that reconstruction of petrochemical units is progressing and some of the lost capacities have been restored.
Donald Trump, the President of the United States, said at a Republican rally in Mississippi that the summer ceasefire with Iran was a waste of time and once again supported the U.S. war against Iran.
In a quadruple meeting in Tehran attended by officials from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey, topics discussed included preventing the resumption of war in the region, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and ending the Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia. The participants agreed on continuing regional talks. In a separate statement, Saudi Arabia emphasized the importance of opening negotiation channels to avoid escalation of conflicts.
The Navy of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has captured a US spy drone in the western Strait of Hormuz and announced its safe landing. This news was reported by official IRGC sources and affiliated media such as Tasnim.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called for an end to the Iran war through diplomatic means. A senior security official of the Islamic Republic announced that a comprehensive military response plan has been completed. Additionally, a delegation from Qatar has traveled to Tehran to advance negotiations. In the US, reports indicate the Trump administration is simultaneously considering military and diplomatic options. The foreign ministers of Turkey and the US have discussed issues related to Iran, and Pakistan remains cautiously optimistic about mediation between Tehran and Washington.
Donald Trump responded to reports claiming he had instructed J.D. Vance to initiate peace negotiations with the Islamic Republic by denying these allegations, stating that the contact with Vance was solely about medical aid.
The Wall Street Journal had earlier reported that Vance sent a letter to Mohsen Rezaei on Trump's orders to begin peace talks, but Trump denied this.
Amid growing concerns over potential escalation of conflicts in the Middle East, the United States has moved to deploy defense systems, reposition forces, and dispatch naval vessels to the region. These measures aim to reinforce the U.S. position and support allies in face of the Islamic Republic.
The former head of Mossad said in an interview that the deliberate release of images from the agency's covert operations inside Iranian territory is part of Israel's psychological warfare aimed at sowing distrust and concern among the people of Iran. He did not provide further details on the consequences of this psychological warfare.
Senator John Thune is confronting voter concerns about the war in Iran and increasing gasoline prices amidst the Senate elections. These two issues present significant challenges for him in maintaining his Senate position.
Egypt's parliament has approved that the country's president, Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, can act militarily in defense of Saudi Arabia against attacks by the Houthis, who are supported by the Islamic Republic, if Saudi Arabia requests it. The parliament emphasized that this support will be confined to defending Saudi Arabian territory.
Israel's upcoming parliamentary elections revolve largely around security issues, including the October 7 setback and the Gaza war. For Iranian audiences, the question arises whether a potential defeat of Benjamin Netanyahu could alter Tel Aviv's policy toward the Islamic Republic. Reviewing the main candidates' positions shows that the answer to this question is complex and multifaceted.
RoozGozin
