Tasnim news agency

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.

Iran says it could reopen the Strait of Hormuz within two days if Washington accepts its conditions, a senior Iranian official said on 2 Nov. The strait has been blockaded since the war began in February, halting shipping that normally carries about one-fifth of global oil. Qatari-mediated indirect talks ended on 2 Nov without a breakthrough, and oil prices fell more than six percent that day. On 3 Nov, Iran's Revolutionary Guards reported three tankers hit mines in the strait, and a senior Iranian official said the two sides remain far from a deal.

President Vladimir Putin holds talks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on Tuesday in Moscow, following a Gas Exporting Countries Forum hosted by the Kremlin. The meeting follows Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi’s remarks that it will build on Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov’s recent Tehran visit and aims to deepen political and economic ties. The forum also gathers African leaders and other gas‑producing nations, underscoring the strategic partnership between Russia and Iran.