Iranian state television

Iran's army spokesman Mohammad Akraminia says the country's military is stronger than when the war with the United States began in late February, and that Tehran will keep the Strait of Hormuz closed until Washington meets its demands. Iran seeks to limit traffic through the strait, which normally carries about one-fifth of global oil consumption. The United States offers a $20 million reward for information on Iran's nuclear programme. Two explosions were reported on Qeshm Island in the strait late on Saturday, and the US military says it shot down a drone over the island. Qatar's Prime Minister says mediators have kept the situation from spiralling.

US President Donald Trump has signalled progress in talks with Iran aimed at avoiding a return to war, and US Vice President JD Vance says both he and Trump are optimistic about reaching an agreement. Indirect talks are taking place through mediators, with Qatar and Pakistan playing an active role. Oil prices fell by more than 7 per cent on Monday, 2 Nov, on hopes of an end to the eight-month-old conflict. Iranian state media reported five explosions on Qeshm Island, and Vance described US strikes on Iranian targets in the Strait of Hormuz as limited. The conflict began on 28 Feb with US and Israeli attacks on Iran.

US forces struck Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz on 2 Nov, which US officials describe as limited defensive action after Iranian surface-to-air missiles targeted a US aircraft. Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps says it fired missiles at US aircraft, and Iranian state media IRNA reported several explosions across the island on Monday. Iranian negotiators left the Doha talks with Qatari mediators on 1 Nov, and Iran's foreign ministry says the exit was not caused by problems in the negotiations and that exchanges with Washington continue. A senior Iranian official says a deal remains out of reach. Oil prices rose slightly after the strikes.