Symbolic imageTrump promises Iran decision soon as Qatar pushes diplomacy
Trump said on Thursday he will decide soon whether to resume strikes on Iran. Qatar-led mediators meanwhile push for a diplomatic deal.
After meeting his national security advisers in the Oval Office on Thursday, 5 November, Trump told reporters: "I would rather not destroy the rest of the country if possible, but maybe I'll have to. You'll know soon enough." Fox News reported that the US could start a new phase of the operation on 9 November and that CENTCOM is finishing preparations without new orders; Politika notes that no decision has been confirmed. Trump said he would still go to war again despite the midterm losses, which he partly blamed on fuel prices. Vice President JD Vance has become a leading advocate of diplomacy over new strikes, according to Breitbart.
Qatar leads mediation
On Friday Trump spoke by phone with Qatar's emir about a diplomatic resolution, according to The American Conservative. The New York Times reported, as relayed by Breitbart, that Iran is reviewing concrete proposals from mediators, while Tehran still demands that Washington first meet seven conditions, including lifting sanctions and ending the naval blockade.
More tankers hit at Hormuz
Three tankers were reported hit in the Strait of Hormuz on Friday. The IRGC said two struck mines on "unauthorized" routes and claimed to have shot down a US drone over Qeshm Island.