Overview
- Iran’s supreme leader, Mojtaba Jamenei, told top military commanders to prepare an immediate response with no geographic limits to any U.S. or Israeli attack, a directive announced on Saturday and published on his official channels.
- Iranic reports say up to six tankers struck mines or explosive devices in the Strait of Hormuz in recent days and Iranian forces have claimed capture of a second U.S. MQM-170 drone, though officials did not name vessel flags or report confirmed casualties.
- U.S. military spokesmen and CENTCOM have disputed parts of Tehran’s account, saying mines had been cleared and questioning some capture claims, while President Trump said diplomatic talks with Iran continue and Secretary of State Marco Rubio said no U.S. decision to resume large-scale strikes has been made.
- U.S. and Israeli planning for a possible post-midterm offensive has been reported by Axios and The New York Times but those reports remain unconfirmed in official statements and should be read as developing media accounts.
- Qatar-led mediators visited Tehran and a letter from U.S. Vice President JD Vance was reported delivered to Iranian officials, yet Iran says it will not meet directly with U.S. representatives and the standoff keeps shipping, energy prices, and regional diplomacy at heightened risk.