Donald Trump told supporters at a campaign rally in San Antonio that his Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, was making progress in negotiations with Iran, but that a deal was not his preferred outcome. Trump said, “I think the deal isn’t really something that I want to do, but they’re willing to offer us anything to stop,” adding that the war would end “very soon.” He also described Iran as a “failed nation” and praised Witkoff as a “great negotiator.”
Behind the scenes, the Trump administration’s national security team has reportedly discussed the possibility of restarting large‑scale U.S. military operations in Iran in the coming weeks, including potential strikes ahead of next month’s midterm elections. A defense department official told NBC News that the department’s role is to develop and present options to the president, while a White House official said the United States is in a “very strong position.” Trump has also stated that the U.S. will not attack Iran before the midterm elections, citing “productive discussions” with Tehran.
Saudi Arabia has suffered a flare‑up in clashes with Yemen’s Houthi rebels, who claim to have struck Riyadh and Abha airports with ballistic missiles. The attacks killed three people and injured more than 30. A Saudi civil aviation statement reported one death and eight injuries at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, and two deaths and 28 injuries at Abha airport. The incidents have prompted airlines such as Air India and Lufthansa to suspend flights to the Saudi capital.
In the Strait of Hormuz, attacks on oil and gas tankers reached the highest weekly level since the Iran war began. At least 12 tankers were attacked between 28 September and 5 October, and the International Maritime Organization recorded nine incidents. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards continued drone surveillance, radio harassment, and attempted attacks on vessels. The heightened tension has pushed Brent crude above $101 a barrel and U.S. West Texas Intermediate to $89.39, reflecting concerns over potential supply disruptions in the region.
