The US-Iran standoff over the Strait of Hormuz remains unresolved after an eight-month war. Trump says he will act if an opportunity arises and reportedly admitted the war hurt Republicans in the midterms, while Democrats and some officials push to end it. IRGC claims of downed US drones and destroyed tankers remain unverified. In Yemen, the Houthi siege of Taiz blocks essential supplies, and government forces claim gains in al-Jawf, with heavy fighting reported there and in Lahij and al-Dhalea. Syria is reportedly in talks on joining a Turkey-Saudi-Pakistan defence pact.
Updated 4 Nov 2026, 20:00 UTC