Day 253 | Trump cites 'very good progress' in talks with Iran

Two explosions were reported east of Qeshm Island in Iran’s southern Hormozgan Province, the Iranian News Agency (IRNA) reported.

'Israeli' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called for the formation of a national unity government involving parties from the national camp and all Zionist parties willing to join.

In a televised appearance shared by 'Israeli' media outlet Israel Hayom, Netanyahu called for "the establishment of a national unity government that will include all parties of the national camp and all Zionist parties that wish to protect our country, the one and only state of the Jewish people."

Netanyahu claimed the proposed government would "permanently remove the nuclear threat from Iran, preserve Israel as a Jewish state, and bring unity among us."

Thousands of Syrian troops are preparing to deploy to Saudi Arabia and Yemen to take part in military operations against the Houthis, Agence France-Presse (AFP) reported, citing multiple Yemeni officials.

Hundreds of Syrian soldiers have already been deployed on both sides of the Saudi-Yemeni border, according to three Yemeni military sources and a defense official cited by the news agency.

Sources within the Yemeni government's presidency and defense ministry said thousands more troops are expected to join the deployment to support the Saudi-backed Yemeni government in its fight against the Houthis.

The reported move comes as Saudi Arabia seeks regional and international support to counter Houthi attacks and strengthen the Yemeni government's position.

A separate Reuters report published Friday said Syria had already sent dozens of military personnel to Saudi Arabia in recent weeks to provide military advice and training to Saudi and Yemeni forces.

Reuters, citing Syrian military sources and a senior US official, reported that the personnel were helping improve the combat capabilities of forces operating against the Houthis.

However, a senior Syrian diplomat described reports of military deployments as premature, while confirming that a defense cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia included military training, advisory support and the exchange of expertise.

Neither Damascus nor Riyadh has officially confirmed the reported deployment of thousands of troops. Its scale and operational role therefore remain unclear.

US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced the formation of a new task force aimed at preventing Iran from using land routes to transport weapons.

The task force, named “Iron Gate,” will comprise around 20 military and civilian personnel and coordinate with government agencies to prevent Iran from using its borders and the Caspian Sea for weapons transfers.

CENTCOM said the initiative would strengthen the US naval blockade on Iran and restrict its ability to finance what Washington describes as terrorism.

The command added that the naval blockade had prevented Iran from exporting more than $25 billion worth of crude oil in recent months.

It also said it would continue enforcing strict measures against all vessels entering or leaving Iranian ports.

The Yemeni Armed Forces said they had repelled military movements by the Houthi group in the northern front of Marib Governorate over the past hours.

In a statement, the forces said the movements took place within the Seventh Military Region, adding that they had destroyed combat equipment and neutralized groups they said the Houthis had deployed to frontline positions.

At least 31 people, including women and children, were killed on Saturday in airstrikes targeting the Bani Hushaysh district of Sanaa Governorate, according to Houthi-run media Saba news agency. 

Citing local sources, the agency stated that warplanes attributed to the Saudi-led coalition carried out strikes against five residential homes in the al-Shariya sector of the district.

Emergency teams and local residents were reportedly continuing recovery efforts to pull casualties from beneath the destroyed structures.

The report further stated that two subsequent airstrikes targeted rescue teams and first responders attempting to reach the impacted buildings.

Saudi Civil Defense issued an all-clear notification for the southern city of Najran on Saturday, confirming that the danger has passed.

The General Directorate of Saudi Civil Defense announced the activation of the National Early Warning Platform for Emergencies in the southern border city of Najran, issuing an alert to warn residents of potential danger.

Yemeni government forces claimed that three airstrikes struck positions belonging to the Houthis in the southern sector of Taiz province.

The government military sources said that the strikes targeted Houthi sites located in the Dhi al-Burah area and the village of Al-Matali, situated in the Al-Misrakh district, south of Taiz.

Authorities in southwestern Saudi Arabia activated emergency sirens and mobile alerts in the coastal city of Jizan on Saturday, issuing a high-priority warning that remained in effect for approximately eight minutes before an all-clear was declared.

The alert was broadcast to residents via the National Early Warning Platform for Emergencies, instructing citizens and residents to take precautionary shelter measures due to a potential danger.

An oil tanker caught fire and was immobilized after striking a naval mine east of the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday morning, the Islamic Republic of Iran Army Navy said in a statement.

The navy's public relations bureau said that the vessel had entered declared unsafe waters in direct defiance of ongoing maritime navigation notices.

"This morning, a violating oil tanker in the area east of the Strait of Hormuz, which was traveling through a prohibited and unsafe zone without heeding persistent warnings and had also turned off its navigation systems, caught fire and came to a halt as a result of striking a naval mine," the statement said.

The military command emphasized that non-compliant traffic would face severe consequences in restricted waters, adding: "This is the fate of all violating ships and vessels that disregard warnings and navigate in prohibited areas."

• Head of the ministry’s Public Relations and Information Centre, stated that no ministry official spoke to the publication and termed the attributed quotes false
• Kermanpour maintained that while Iran's healthcare network prepares for contingencies and external threats

Iran’s Ministry of Health on Friday rejected claims published by The Times of London that Iranian authorities have begun handing out anti-radiation iodine tablets to residents near domestic nuclear sites amid fears of potential military strikes.

هیچ مقام وزارت بهداشت با تایمز مصاحبه نکرده و نقل‌قول منتسب به این وزارتخانه کذب است. نظام سلامت برای سناریوهای مختلف و تهدیدهای دشمنی که به کودکان نیز رحم نمی‌کند آماده است.البته اعلام وضعیت جنگی در صلاحیت وزارت بهداشت نیست و انتشار اخبار تأییدنشده در این شرایط غیرمسئولانه است.

— حسین کرمانپور Hossein.Kermanpour (@HKermanpour) November 6, 2026

The report by The Times had cited an unnamed Iranian health official who alleged that tablets were being supplied within a two-to-three-kilometer radius of sensitive nuclear facilities, claiming such measures were standard procedure during past periods of heightened threat.

Hossein Kermanpour, the head of the Public Relations and Information Centre at the Ministry of Health refuted the report.

"No Ministry of Health official has spoken to The Times, and the quote attributed to the ministry is false," Kermanpour stated. "The health system is prepared for various scenarios and threats from an enemy that does not even spare children".

Kermanpour added that authority over civil defense alerts and wartime declarations rests elsewhere within the state apparatus, writing: "Declaring a state of war is not within the Ministry of Health’s authority, and publishing unverified reports under these circumstances is irresponsible".

Iodine tablets, specifically potassium iodide (KI), are emergency medical treatments that protect the thyroid gland from radiation exposure, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO).

Because the thyroid absorbs any iodine it encounters, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) explains that taking KI floods the gland with safe, non-radioactive iodine, blocking it from taking in harmful radioactive iodine-131 and significantly lowering the risk of thyroid cancer.

Medical guidelines from both the CDC and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) emphasize that KI does not protect against external radiation or other radioactive elements like cesium or strontium, and health authorities advise taking it solely under direct instructions from emergency officials.

• Mohebbi stated that Iranian operations specifically targeted artificial intelligence systems and processing nodes
• The official asserted that these counter-strikes compelled opposing forces to halt their bombing campaign against Iranian infrastructure

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said that Iran’s domestic aerospace advancements have enabled it to confront the world’s leading military powers with superior technology, despite enduring nearly five decades of sweeping economic and military sanctions.

Speaking at an aerospace briefing in Tehran, IRGC spokesperson Brigadier General Hossein Mohebbi characterized the expansion of the country's defense-industrial base as a historic strategic achievement.

"This is also a major achievement, that an Iran, which has been under forty-seven years of sanctions, can confront the world's greatest military power with superior technology," Mohebbi stated, referencing the United States and the broader regional alliances backing opposing forces.

Mohebbi added that international restrictions intended to limit Tehran's military development instead accelerated domestic self-reliance, enabling the IRGC Aerospace Force to localize critical aerospace knowledge and move from importing foreign systems to mass-producing domestic platforms.

"In our country, we have always been importers of military equipment, but now, in addition to meeting our domestic needs, we are also exporters," Mohebbi stated, citing systems such as the Shahed-136 loitering munition, the Arman missile platform, and the Khordad-3 air defense network as benchmarks of local manufacturing.

Retaliatory strikes on AI and data hubs

Turning to operational engagements during past exchanges, Mohebbi said that domestic technological advancements were directly applied to counter foreign strikes on Iranian infrastructure.

He stated that when opposing forces targeted domestic facilities essential to civilian life, Iranian units executed targeted reciprocal operations.

"By targeting their artificial intelligence systems, processors, and infrastructure in the region, they managed to neutralize them and deterred them from continuing to bomb our infrastructure," Mohebbi said.

The spokesperson argued that striking regional command, processing, and data-relay hubs established effective deterrence, compelling adversaries to halt their campaign after realizing that strikes on Iranian sites would be met with multiple reciprocal attacks.

• The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) warned that should a "third wave" of confrontation arise
• IRGC warned on Saturday that it has prepared undisclosed military systems that could be unveiled and deployed on the battlefield

Speaking at a military briefing in Tehran, IRGC spokesperson Brigadier General Hossein Mohebbi stated that the force's aerospace division has developed systems designed to shift battlefield dynamics in the event of renewed fighting.

"The fourteenth achievement of the IRGC Aerospace Force is those game-changers that, if a third wave of conflict with the enemy arises, will be unveiled and operationalized in a way that will astonish the entire world," Mohebbi said during the press conference.

The spokesperson said that any potential disclosure of these systems would depend on strategic assessments by military commanders. "If, God willing, it is deemed appropriate, we might actually be able to unveil some of them," he added, stating that such developments would demonstrate the technological advancements of Iran's defense establishment.

Beyond warning of future operational deployments, Mohebbi outlined the expansion of Iran's domestic military-industrial sector.

He stated that Tehran has transitioned from relying on foreign suppliers to producing and exporting advanced aerospace technology.

"In our country, we have always been importers of military equipment, but now, in addition to meeting our domestic needs, we are also exporters," Mohebbi said, naming the Shahed-136 loitering munition, the Arman missile system, the 358 loitering surface-to-air interceptor, and the 3rd of Khordad air defense system as key examples of domestic output.

He further claimed that designs based on Iranian platforms, particularly the Shahed-136, have gained international prominence and been replicated across other markets.

• The alert specifically cited intelligence regarding Iranian efforts to target US government officials operating in the region
• Travelers were advised to prepare for potential airspace closures, sudden flight cancellations, and wider logistical interruptions

The United States has issued a broad regional security alert advising American citizens in the Middle East to maintain "heightened vigilance," citing an elevated risk of armed strikes by Yemen's Houthi movement and potential Iranian actions aimed at US officials.

The advisory, warned that escalating regional friction could cause immediate disruptions to commercial travel and civilian transit.

"Americans currently in the Middle East should exercise heightened vigilance due to the increased threat of armed attacks by Iranian-supported Houthis and Iranian efforts to target U.S. government officials in the region," the alert stated. Consular authorities also instructed travelers to monitor local developments and anticipate "potential flight cancellations, airspace closures, and travel disruptions".

• Araghchi stressed the need for regional security frameworks established solely by regional states, without the involvement of "transregional powers."
• He reiterated Tehran’s position regarding its right to self-defense while warning against actions by the United States and 'Israel'

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced a flurry of regional diplomacy, confirming phone talks with 12 foreign ministers over the past 48 hours to discuss regional security, maritime stability, and ongoing tensions involving the United States and 'Israel', as stated by Iran's IRNA news agency.

Araghchi detailed consultations with counterparts from Oman, Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Cyprus, Turkey, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Tunisia, Iraq, and Pakistan.

Araghchi outlined Tehran's positions regarding regional stability, stating that he "reiterated the need to respect the national sovereignty of countries, stop aggression and threats, avoid destructive foreign interventions, and the responsibility of the countries of the region to prevent the spread of insecurity."

Araghchi emphasized what Tehran describes as its right to defend its territorial integrity, advocating for localized security frameworks: "I also emphasized the legitimate right of our country to defend its sovereignty and national security and the necessity of forming regional security arrangements without the intervention of transregional powers."

• Several targeted firms also allegedly laundered billions of dollars in illicit drug proceeds
• The designations were coordinated with Canada’s financial intelligence unit (FINTRAC), FinCEN, and the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

The United States Department of the Treasury announced sanctions against eight money services businesses operating across Canada, accusing the firms of functioning as financial conduits for Iran, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), and international drug trafficking networks.

The enforcement action was executed under "Operation Economic Outcast," a federal initiative launched in Aug. designed to dismantle foreign financial mechanisms and cryptocurrency channels allegedly utilized by Tehran to bypass international sanctions.

"Canada cannot be a safe haven for illicit financial facilitators that provide sanctions evasion services to the Iranian regime and its proxies," said Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. "Treasury will pursue and disrupt the Iranian regime’s financial channels anywhere in the world."

OFAC claimed that the designated Canadian firms exchanged Iranian rials and conventional currencies for cryptocurrencies to enable cross-border transactions involving sanctioned Iranian entities.

Investigations alleged that multiple targeted firms transacted with state-aligned Iranian digital asset exchanges, including Nobitex, Wallex, Bitpin, and Shelbit, as well as digital wallets directly tied to the IRGC.

The Treasury said that the enforcement effort was conducted in coordination with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and Canada’s national financial intelligence agency, the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC).

Federal authorities added that several of the businesses also laundered proceeds for Ryan Wedding, a high-profile Canadian narcotics trafficker arrested in Jan. 2026.

Prior to his apprehension, Wedding allegedly funneled cash generated from drug operations through money exchanges in Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal to convert the funds into digital currencies destined for overseas accounts.

The eight designated entities, based primarily in Ontario and British Columbia, include:

• Diverse Trade Inc (dba Million Exchange): Transferred funds to IRGC-linked and terrorism-related addresses while converting illicit drug proceeds into digital assets.
• 1380079 BC Limited (dba Amin Exchange): British Columbia-based money services business processing transactions linked to Shelbit and narcotics proceeds.
• Top PC Technician Inc (dba Amin Exchange): Ontario-based affiliate of 1380079 BC Limited facilitating related crypto-fiat conversions.
  NIA Nations Currency Ltd – Facilitated transfers between Canada and Iran, routing transactions to sanctioned exchanges and IRGC-linked wallets.
• 2397639 Ontario Ltd (dba Farah Exchange): Processed transactions with Shelbit and Wallex while transferring assets linked to drug trafficking and designated networks.
• CCC Inc: Ontario-based firm offering digital asset conversions with transaction records tied to flagged addresses.
• B Galaxy Inc (dba Cryptoyal): Co-located partner to CCC Inc offering unlimited digital asset exchanges for Iranian currencies.
• Darvish Exchange: Ontario-based business facilitating Bitcoin exchanges for Iranian rials with documented links to Nobitex, Wallex, and Aban Tether.

Under the sanctions, all US-based property and financial assets connected to the designated entities are blocked, and American persons and institutions are prohibited from engaging in commercial or financial transactions with them. Foreign institutions that continue to transact with the designated firms risk exposure to secondary sanctions.

Saudi-led Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen said that its air defense forces intercepted and destroyed a cruise missile launched toward the Riyadh region.

• Doha attributed false reports to fake accounts and parties profiting from ongoing conflict
• Qatari Prime Minister Al-Thani stressed ongoing coordination to prevent regional escalation, noting post-midterm US engagement
• Qatar warned against hardliners sabotaging negotiations, citing post-October 7 casualties and regional fragility

The State of Qatar categorically denied social media reports claiming the failure of negotiations between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran, affirming that active diplomatic engagements are continuing and warning against efforts to push the region into another round of escalation.

International Media Office

In a statement issued in response to what it described as baseless and misleading allegations regarding statements made by the Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, the International Media Office of the State of Qatar stated:

"The reports circulating on social media claiming that His Excellency the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar made statements indicating the failure of the United States of America and Iran to reach an agreement are baseless and misleading.

"His Excellency’s statements were subjected to systematic distortion by parties that benefit from the continuation of the war and instability in our region, as fake accounts broadcast a large number of these allegations with the aim of frustrating diplomatic endeavors and pushing toward further escalation, which involves a great deal of irresponsibility.

The Qatari PM affirmed in his statements that both sides continue to work toward reaching an agreement.

"Qatari mediation continues in close coordination with the United States of America and Iran to support the ongoing negotiations."

Foreign Ministry

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Dr. Majed Mohammed Al-Ansari separately rejected the reports, stating:

"What is circulating regarding the statements of His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani about the negotiations between the United States and Iran, alleging that the two parties failed to reach an agreement, is baseless and constitutes a deliberate distortion of His Excellency’s statements, as shown in the clip.

"We categorically reject these attempts to mislead public opinion and undermine diplomatic efforts at this sensitive time. His Excellency clearly affirmed that the two parties continue to work toward reaching an agreement, and that Qatari mediators continue to coordinate closely with both sides to support the ongoing negotiations.

"Promoting these allegations only serves those who seek the continuation of the war and the destabilization of the region."

Prime Minister

In statements addressing the state of negotiations and regional security, Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani underscored that Doha is working proactively to prevent conflict from widening:

• "Our efforts are continuing so that the region does not witness significant escalation."
• "The mediation efforts we are conducting are continuing to prevent things from spiraling out of control."
• "In past weeks, we worked with the US administration to contain the situation in the region."
• "The US administration’s intentions to find a solution still exist even after the midterm elections."
• "We cannot wait for the moment to reach an ideal agreement, and we hope to reach a good agreement."
• "We should not listen to the voices of hardliners who want to hijack the negotiation process."
• "We have accomplished many things, and I believe we can reach a settlement."
• "I held calls with all the foreign ministers in our region as part of the efforts to reach a settlement."
• "The issue cannot be left without a solution, and we cannot afford another round of escalation in the region."
• "The latest round of escalation did not provide anything good for the region."
• "Since October 7, and despite the mediation we undertook, we have witnessed only instability in the region."
• "Since the ceasefire in Gaza, more than a thousand people have been killed."
• "In Lebanon, we see what is happening after the ceasefire, where bombardment is still continuing."
• "The Iran issue cannot be left without a solution, and we cannot afford another round of escalation."
• "We believe that the best way to bring all parties in the region together is by addressing the concerns of each party."

Speaking to reporters in Palm Beach, Florida ahead of his departure for the White House, US President Donald Trump stated that nobody has been killed or injured in the Iran confrontation for five months, asserting that "it's not a war."