U.S. military

Democrats won control of the House and Senate in the US midterm elections, according to multiple reports. Their majority in Congress is expected to push for a tougher line toward Israel on Iran, Gaza and settler violence. Donald Trump has said he agreed with Benjamin Netanyahu to end the $3.8 billion annual US military aid to Israel by the end of 2026. Netanyahu had not commented on the election or the aid announcement at the time of reporting. In Israel, commentators warn of greater scrutiny of US support, while Vice President JD Vance has said the Iran war cost the administration support.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards Navy says four oil tankers caught fire after striking mines in the Strait of Hormuz, with a fourth tanker hit later on Friday, 30 Oct. The Guards say the ships used unauthorized routes and ignored warnings; one tanker carried more than 2 million barrels of crude. UK Maritime Trade Operations separately reported a tanker struck by a projectile about 40 nautical miles south of Lavan Island, with its crew safe. Reuters could not verify Iran's statements, and the US military did not immediately confirm them.

María Corina Machado landed in Caracas on Sunday, 25 Oct, after nearly a year in exile, and was greeted by thousands of supporters along highways and streets. She wore a white T-shirt and blue jeans and said she is ready to meet interim president Delcy Rodríguez. Her spokesperson said she is willing to sit down with Rodríguez and others with full transparency and an agenda. The European Union said her return contributes to a wider opening of political space in Venezuela. She had tried to return at least seven times since early September.