TOP STORIES
“Iran is using oil terminals and storage facilities in China to keep sanctioned tankers operating despite US restrictions, according to a confidential document obtained by Iran International and information from Oil Ministry sources.”
Trump’s Clashing Advisers Press Him to Make Iran War Decision | Wall Street Journal
“With the midterms over, President Trump’s advisers and foreign allies have been racing to shape his decision on whether to end the Iran war or reignite it. Voters soundly repudiated the war at the ballot box, then Vice President JD Vance questioned whether it was worthwhile on social media. Before that post, Vance told the president that he intended to blame the defeat on the war, U.S. officials said. Another camp, which includes Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and U.S. Central Command chief Adm. Brad Cooper, have supported a return to major combat operations during recent briefings on military options, U.S. officials said. . . . Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent have advocated for tightening sanctions and continuing the blockade on Iranian trade. Special envoy Steve Witkoff, like Vance, has sought Trump’s continued backing for diplomatic efforts for a deal to end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, officials said.”
“The United States is offering a reward of up to $20 million as well as ‘possible relocation’ for information on ‘Iran’s nuclear program,’ according to the US military. The State Department’s Rewards for Justice initiative is offering the reward to people who can provide knowledge of its ‘facilities, equipment, and associated personnel, such as those in the scientific community, or the movement of any of the above,’ US Central Command said.”
UANI IN THE NEWS
Trump ‘Holds All the Cards’ in War Against Iran’s Regime, White House Says | Fox News
“Jason Brodsky, policy director at United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI), told Fox News Digital that Iran sees the midterm election results as exacting a political cost from the Trump administration for launching Operation Epic Fury. ‘It hopes these electoral losses will deter this and future administrations from launching military operations against Tehran over its aggression and terrorism,’ Brodsky said, adding that at the same time, Iranian decision-makers are likely eyeing Trump warily. ‘President Trump has proven unpredictable and, with over two years left in office, that is a lot of time for the U.S. to continue to damage the Iranian regime,’ Brodsky said.”
Iran Reportedly Open to Discussing Its Nuclear Program with US | Times of Israel
“The US and Iran are potentially moving toward a breakthrough in efforts to reach an agreement that would end the largely suspended war between them, Bloomberg reports, citing a diplomat with knowledge of the discussions. . . . Not everyone is impressed by the Bloomberg report. ‘Talking is not necessarily conceding,’ Jason Brodsky, policy director at United Against Nuclear Iran, tells The Times of Israel. ‘The Iranian regime has been discussing its nuclear program with the US for decades,’ he continues. ‘That’s really not a breakthrough. Eager mediators are trying to paint a rosy picture of progress in talks to stall and delay the US from escalation. I would urge skepticism and caution.’”
US Blockade Has All but Halted Iran’s Oil Exports, FGE Says | Briefs Finance
“UANI says roughly 11 vessels with cargoes of Iranian liquefied petroleum gas have managed to get through, and Fesharaki pegs crude reaching the market at 200,000 to 300,000 barrels a day via Iraq.”
SANCTIONS, BUSINESS RISKS & OTHER ECONOMIC NEWS
US Treasury Sanctions Canadian Money Services Firms over Iran-Related Transactions | Reuters
“The US Treasury said on Friday that it had imposed financial sanctions on eight money services firms based in Canada that it alleges have facilitated transactions with sanctioned Iranian entities.”
Iran’s Solar Ambitions Falter as Chinese Panel Imports Collapse | Iran International
“Iran's imports of Chinese solar panels fell by more than 80% in 2026, threatening efforts to expand renewable power generation as the country struggles with worsening electricity shortages.”
MILITARY MATTERS & SHIPPING
Russia in Talks to Supply Advanced Missiles to Iran | Telegraph
“Iran and Russia are in talks over a deal to send advanced air defence systems to Tehran, The Telegraph can reveal. The Islamic Republic was ‘optimistic’ that Vladimir Putin would finally deliver the long-awaited S-400 air defence systems it had sought for years, a senior Iranian official said. Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran’s supreme leader, sent Mohsen Rezaei, his security chief, to the Kremlin on Thursday with a personal letter whose central demand, according to the official, was the supply of the weapon. The negotiations over a deal contradict claims by Donald Trump that Russia is not helping Iran ‘at all.’”
“Brigadier General Hossein, spokesman for Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), said Iran is continuing to increase the range of its missiles, stressing the process will not stop. . . . Addressing calls for a revision of Iran’s nuclear doctrine, he said that if the country's leadership deems such a change is necessary, Iran will prepare to respond to threats from hostile Western countries.”
‘We’re Not Done with Iran,’ Warns Israel | Telegraph
“Speaking at a ceremony for Israeli troops on Sunday, Israel Katz, the Israeli defence minister, said: ‘With regard to Iran, the mission is still not complete. Iran is trying to renew its efforts to obtain nuclear weapons, alongside other grave efforts that place the state of Israel in real danger.’”
US Launches Effort to Disrupt Land Routes Iran Uses to Ship Arms | Bloomberg
“The US military said it’s creating a special unit to help block routes Iran uses to transport advanced weapons and other materials. . . . The team will coordinate with other US government agencies on preventing the movement of advanced weapons systems, dual-use technologies, sanctioned materials and illegal revenue streams across Iran’s land borders and the Caspian Sea, it said.”
“The US cannot achieve its goals of blockading Iran’s economy and shutting its trade routes because Tehran has made preparations and communicates closely with neighbors, a Revolutionary Guards spokesperson was quoted as saying on Sunday. Hossein Mohebbi was reacting to the US military’s Task Force Iron Gate, launched to help crack down on Tehran’s movement of advanced weapons and other sanctioned material over its land borders and through the Caspian Sea.”
“President Donald Trump said he is ‘highly unlikely’ to restart open war with Iran, but warned he could still strike the country as Washington tries to reach a deal with Tehran to end the conflict. . . . ‘It depends on whether or not they sign a very strong agreement,’ Trump said. ‘The answer is highly unlikely it’s going to be necessary. They’re a failing nation.’”
Trump Reacts to Vance’s Iran War Post, Says He’d Make the Same Call | Politico
“President Donald Trump pushed back Sunday on Vice President JD Vance’s social media post blaming the Iran war for Republicans’ midterm losses, saying Vance left out whether he would make the same decision again. Trump said he would.”
Trump Says U.S. Carried Out ‘Minor Strikes’ on Iran as Missiles Hit Qeshm Island | CNBC
“President Donald Trump told reporters Friday that the U.S. carried out ‘minor strikes’ on Iran, amid reports that two missiles struck Qeshm Island near the Strait of Hormuz.”
Four Explosions Heard on Iran’s Qeshm Island—IRNA | Iran International
“Four explosions were heard Sunday on Iran’s Qeshm island in the Persian Gulf, with several locations apparently struck, state news agency IRNA reported.”
“U.S. Central Command said late Saturday it disabled a St. Kitts-flagged ship after it ignored multiple warnings and attempted to leave the region after visiting an Iranian port.”
Iran Says It Will Never Allow US Bases in Region to Be Rebuilt—IRGC Outlet | Iran International
“Iranian Army spokesperson Mohammad Akraminia said Iran would never allow what he called enemy military bases in the region to be rebuilt, the IRGC-affiliated Fars News Agency reported Friday.”
Hormuz Standoff ‘Not Sustainable,’ Senior Iranian Lawmaker Tells Euronews | Euronews Persian
“A senior Iranian official told Euronews the standoff in the Strait of Hormuz was unsustainable, as Iran and the US continued their concurrent blockades and cargo ships were being disabled in the crucial waterway daily. . . . He called on Washington to lift the naval blockade as a precondition for resuming talks.”
Trump’s Legacy-Defining Decision on Iran | Matthew Continetti in the Wall Street Journal
“President Trump has a little over two years left in office. What kind of world will he leave to his successor? Will it be a world where the Islamic Republic of Iran can reconstitute its nuclear program and threaten the U.S. and its allies with missiles and terrorism? Or a world where the Iranian regime no longer possesses nuclear material and is about to collapse? The answer will define Mr. Trump’s legacy.”
DIPLOMACY
Rubio Says Iranians Making ‘Outrageous and Ridiculous’ Demands in Negotiations | Times of Israel
“US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Sunday that Iran has been making ‘unacceptable’ demands during ongoing talks to end the war, as the United States military reportedly launched another overnight strike on the country’s south. ‘You have a number of countries that continue to engage them with different ideas, but I wouldn’t say we’re on the verge of a breakthrough,’ Rubio told reporters . . . Rubio told reporters that US President Donald Trump ‘identified a very real threat’ in Iran and worked to stop the Islamic Republic from pursuing a nuclear weapon. ‘He addressed it even though oftentimes the right thing to do for the country—confronting difficult challenges for the security of our country—doing it isn’t necessarily popular, but necessary,’ Rubio said.”
Trump to Meet Qatari Prime Minister About Mediation Efforts with Iran | Axios
“President Trump will meet the prime minister of Qatar on Monday to discuss efforts to reach a new ceasefire and resume nuclear negotiations with Iran. . . . Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, the key mediator between Iran and the U.S. over the last several weeks, wants Trump to allow more time for diplomacy, sources say. Trump is still willing to let diplomatic efforts play out and see if a deal is possible. But it is unclear how much time he’s willing to give.”
Vance Leads Behind-the-Scenes Push for New Iran Deal | Axios
“Vice President Vance has spent the past two weeks personally involved in indirect talks with Iran aimed at reaching a new ceasefire and resuming nuclear negotiations, according to two sources with knowledge of the matter. . . . U.S. officials and regional sources say that for now Trump is willing to let diplomatic efforts play out and wants to see if any kind of deal is possible.”
Iran Gives Us 2-Day Diplomacy Ultimatum | The Hill
“Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Sunday warned the U.S. to either accept Tehran’s latest offer to end the more than eight-month war or face military escalation as President Trump mulls further strikes after the midterms. . . . ‘Our 2-day proposal stands: meet the requirement, including end to war on all fronts, and you will see results. Or choose war, and see our alert and battle-hardened Warriors rain down hell,’ he continued.”
Rubio Will Discuss Iran, Ukraine, AI and More with G7 Allies in France | Associated Press
“U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will meet his counterparts from the Group of 7 industrialized democracies on Monday, with unresolved world crises on the agenda and questions about how President Donald Trump will approach foreign policy after his Republican Party’s massive losses in the midterm elections. . . . The Russia-Ukraine war, the Iran conflict, energy and artificial intelligence are among the main topics for discussion.”
TERRORISM & PROXY WARS
Potential Violence Looms Between Al-Zaidi and Iran-Backed Militias | Alhurra
“Iraqi intelligence sources told MBN on Sunday of possible armed confrontation between Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi and the Iran-backed Kataib Hezbollah militia, amid rising tensions from both sides. Speaking on condition of anonymity, the sources said military commanders concluded such clashes could stem from al-Zaidi’s efforts to cut off Kataib Hezbollah’s financial resources, while Kataib Hezbollah accuses al-Zaidi of using his office to amass a personal fortune. Kataib Hezbollah, designated a terrorist organization by the United States, has also accused al-Zaidi of ‘implementing an American agenda,’ amid mounting U.S. pressure on Baghdad to disarm Iran-backed militias in the country.”
Aramco Building in Riyadh Damaged in Attempted Attack, Ministry Says | The National
“An administrative building in Riyadh belonging to oil giant Saudi Aramco was damaged by falling shrapnel during an attempted attack on Sunday, the Saudi Ministry of Energy said. The building sustained minor damage, with no injuries or deaths reported, the ministry said, citing an official source. . . . Later in the day, the Iran-aligned Houthis said that they carried out four military operations targeting sites in Saudi Arabia and Saudi-backed forces in Yemen.”
PROTESTS & HUMAN RIGHTS
Iran Executes Three Men Arrested During January Anti-Government Protests | CNBC
“Iran executed three men on Sunday after they were convicted of carrying out operations for Israel and the US and taking part in armed unrest during anti-government protests in January, state media reported. . . . Hassan Dioband, Hamid Kazemi and Reza Zanganeh were accused of using firearms, grenades and Molotov cocktails, setting fire to public facilities and damaging an electricity substation in the city of Karaj, causing power outages in some areas, according to the judiciary.”
Horrific Sanitary and Nutritional Conditions in Iran’s Quchan Women’s Prison | IranWire
“IranWire has obtained details regarding the conditions of detained women in the women’s ward of Quchan Prison, revealing that inmates, particularly women arrested during the January protests, are subjected to a wide range of illegal practices amid a near-total news blackout. These include unethical conduct by prison guards, physical abuse and torture by officers and officials, and substandard living, sanitary, and nutritional conditions.”
Two Tehran Bookstores Reportedly Sealed After Halloween Crackdown | Iran International
“Two bookstores on Tehran's Iranshahr Street were reportedly sealed Saturday, days after security forces cracked down on Halloween gatherings in the popular cultural hub, drawing criticism on Iranian social media.”
IRANIAN INTERNAL DEVELOPMENTS
Shroud-Wearing Hardliners Accuse Revolutionary Guards of Defying Khamenei | Iran International
“A group of hardline women wearing white burial shrouds rallied outside the Revolutionary Guards headquarters in Tehran, accusing the armed forces of defying Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei amid demands for retaliation over threats against him. The protest drew a sharp rebuke from Tabnak, a news website linked to Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Mohsen Rezaei, which published commentary accusing the demonstrators of turning against state institutions and warning that action against their movement had begun. Protesters carried placards warning of threats to Khamenei’s life. ‘The Imam’s life is in danger. Act now. Tomorrow will be too late,’ read one handwritten sign.”
CONGRESS & IRAN
Democrats Plot to Choke off Iran War—with Some GOP Help | The Hill
“Democrats, on the wings of the big midterm wave, are looking to grind President Trump’s war with Iran to a halt once they retake the majority next year. Senate Democrats say they have some Republican support to end the conflict, which has dragged on for more than eight months, and have threatened to use the ‘power of the purse’ to deprive the Pentagon of funds needed to wage the war.”
IRAQ & IRAN
US Asks Iraq to Shut Most Iran Border Crossings, Iraqi Foreign Minister Says | Reuters
“The US Treasury has asked Iraq to close all border crossings with Iran except for two as part of Washington’s policy of increasing economic pressure on Tehran, Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein said in an interview with Al Jazeera. One of the exceptions is in the Kurdistan region.”