Iran cuts timeline to reopen Strait of Hormuz to two days

Iran announced on Monday that it has a two day plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and resume nuclear negotiations with the United States. The announcement shortened the previously expected timeline, which officials said could take up to seven days if Washington met seven specific conditions.

The Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that vessels passing through the reopened strait must follow a route agreed upon by Iran and Oman. Ships will travel under Iranian supervision. Tehran also requires the U.S. to lift its blockade of Iranian ports and remove sanctions on Iranian oil sales. Iranian officials added that a ceasefire must include Lebanon.

Esmail Baghaei, the foreign ministry spokesman, said the plan remains the foundation for negotiations with Washington through mediators. He described the shorter timeline as proof of Iran's good faith. Baghaei did not indicate that Tehran had changed its core demands or that the U.S. had formally accepted the proposal. The announcement came as the region braced for potential renewed combat.

On Sunday, Iran's chief diplomat said he expected the United States to choose diplomacy over other paths. President Donald Trump has publicly alternated between seeking diplomatic solutions and threatening heavy airstrikes on Iran. The U.S. has not yet confirmed acceptance of the two day timeline.

The United Nations migration agency reported that more than 300,000 people in Yemen have fled new fighting. Combat between Iran backed Houthi rebels and Saudi backed government forces broke a four year truce. Displaced families are struggling to find shelter and essentials. Aid groups face limited access to those in need.

The Taiz province in southwest Yemen continues to receive displaced families. Many are fleeing south toward Aden, which has taken in more than 56,000 people according to the International Organization for Migration. Abdusattor Esoev, the head of the IOM mission in Yemen, said families are often forced to flee with only the clothes on their bodies. He warned that thousands of families could lose urgent assistance without additional funding.

China said it will send a special envoy to Iran, Oman, and Saudi Arabia in early to mid November. The envoy will focus on easing tensions and promoting regional stability. Mao Ning, a foreign ministry spokeswoman, told journalists that the Gulf region should not become an arena for great power rivalry. President Xi Jinping told the Sultan of Oman that the region needs to avoid geopolitical conflict.

Two men died in separate Israeli airstrikes in southern Gaza on Monday. Nasser Hospital received their bodies. One man was killed in his home and the other in a tent. The Israeli military did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Since the October 2025 ceasefire, about 1,580 Palestinians have died, bringing the total death toll to more than 74,500 according to the Gaza Health Ministry.