Trump may hold off Iran strikes as Hormuz mines hit tankers

Summary

Trump has reportedly told advisers he may hold off on new attacks on Iran unless Tehran provokes the United States, even as mines continue to strike tankers in the Strait of Hormuz.⁠12

Iran's navy and Revolutionary Guards said three oil tankers had struck mines and caught fire, and a liquefied gas carrier had exploded after hitting a mine.⁠34

US Central Command said it downed two Iranian drones with no casualties or damage, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio said further US military action against Iran was not needed because its economy has been weakened.⁠56

A UN official said the US-Iran war has put 45 million people worldwide at risk of hunger, citing more expensive fertilizers and restricted shipping through the strait, and the UN has called for an urgent resolution in Hormuz.⁠7

In Sudan, cuts in international aid are deepening a crisis in which almost 34 million people need assistance, with fighting and drone strikes making deliveries difficult.⁠8

In Europe, EU leaders agreed that a delegation from the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Poland and EU institutions will take part in Ukraine peace negotiations, EU Council President Antonio Costa said.⁠9

A US official said Iran will be on the agenda when Trump, Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin meet in Shenzhen on November 19, a session the White House says will focus on nuclear disarmament.⁠10