The situation in the Persian Gulf remains tense. On November 9, 2026, reports emerged of explosions occurring in Bandar Abbas and Sirik, though American forces did not carry out an attack. However, what remains compelling is that the seven conditions set by Iran for peace are humiliating for the Americans. Indeed, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio characterized Iran's demands as unacceptable during the negotiations. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responded that it is time for the US to accept Iran's proposal or "choose war." For his part, US President Donald Trump emphasized that the American military has activated the "Iron Gate" operation, essentially attempting to encircle Iran so that nothing enters or exits, though this is obviously extremely difficult given Iran's massive borders, shaping Persian Gulf military escalation.
Rubio (US State Department): Iran's demands are outrageous and absurd, negotiations yield no result
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio characterized Iran's demands during negotiations as unacceptable. "Thus far, the negotiations have yielded no significant result because Iran's demands are not only unacceptable, but in some instances outrageous, absurd, and entirely unrealistic," he stated to reporters. According to Rubio, the US and Iran are not currently on the verge of resolving the conflict. Meanwhile, Rubio stressed that US President Donald Trump would prefer to resolve the situation through dialogue. In mid-June, the US and Iran signed a memorandum aiming to launch a peace process, but merely three weeks later, both sides resumed attacks. The conflict has led to the near-complete cessation of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, driving up global fuel prices. In late September, Iran proposed a 7-point plan with implementation within 7 days. On November 1, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced that the projected implementation period had been reduced to two days and that everything now depends on the American response, driving US-Iran diplomatic deadlock.
Abbas Araghchi (Iranian FM): US must accept Iran's proposal or "go to war" ... hell will rain down
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Iran's proposal to open the Strait of Hormuz within two days remains valid, while warning of a severe response to any new aggression. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that it is up to the United States to accept Iran's proposal for ending hostilities on all fronts or "choose war," warning that the Iranian armed forces are ready to "rain down hell." In a post on X, Araghchi stated that American voters made their choice in the midterm elections, adding that it is now up to the White House to decide how to proceed. "American voters made their choice. Time for the White House to make theirs." "Fulfill the demands, including ending the war on all fronts, and you will see results," Araghchi said. He warned that rejecting the proposal in favor of war would provoke a dynamic reaction from Iranian troops. "Or choose war and watch our vigilant, battle-hardened warriors rain down hell," Araghchi wrote. The war against Iran was widely cited by Republicans themselves as a key factor behind their midterm defeat, with Vice President Vance stating categorically that "the reason we lost is the war with Iran," highlighting Iranian military readiness.
Trump: Operation "Iron Gate" activated against Iran
A new operation known as "Iron Gate" has been activated against the Islamic Republic of Iran. This operation, combined with the largest naval blockade in history—which commenced some time ago—has resulted in a situation where, essentially, nothing can enter or exit Iran, shaping Iron Gate naval blockade.
New Trump claim on Iran: I dealt them a blow — you cannot imagine how severe it was! — No new war
The US President stated that, provided progress is made in negotiations regarding Iran's nuclear program and the opening of the Strait of Hormuz, it is "extremely unlikely" he will order US involvement in a war with Iran. He repeated this assessment five times during a CNN interview. In a 20-minute telephone interview with CNN, Trump commented on Iran: "It depends on whether or not they sign a very strong agreement. The answer is that it is extremely unlikely that such a step will become necessary. This is a country that is collapsing. Just this year, you saw the inflation rate reach 301%. It is extremely unlikely that such an action will be needed. If it becomes necessary, I will do it — but we have already dealt them very heavy blows." "I dealt them such a blow — you cannot imagine how severe it was." "Therefore, it is extremely unlikely that I will be forced to do this, meaning to attack again. Their economic situation is deteriorating. We have struck them militarily. We could neutralize them entirely." "We are ready for it." Eight months after the start of the war, both sides remain deadlocked; minimal significant military action has occurred, and no notable diplomatic progress has been achieved. Concurrently, oil tankers transiting the Strait of Hormuz have become targets of Iranian attacks, reinforcing US military deterrence.
They cannot stop us
"It is impossible for them to stop us, because they no longer possess anti-aircraft equipment," Trump stated. "All their anti-aircraft equipment has been eliminated." The US President also referred to the status of Iran's missile and drone stockpiles, claiming that the country retains a mere 10% of its missile capability and 15% of its drone capabilities. (The figures cited by Trump do not hold true; Iran maintains a massive stockpile of missiles and drones.) "The maximum they can do corresponds to roughly 10% of their previous level — essentially producing a limited number of missiles and drones," he stated. "Their capability regarding drones stands at about 15%, as a large portion of their production facilities has been destroyed." Regarding the possibility of resuming American military operations, Trump reiterated: "It is extremely unlikely that such a step will become necessary. They desperately wish to reach an agreement," defining Middle East weapons inventories.
IRGC: "Oil smuggling completely stopped" through the Strait of Hormuz
An official of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy told Iranian state broadcaster IRIB that oil transport via the southern route of the Strait of Hormuz, where ship-to-ship transfers take place under US Navy escort, "has completely stopped." "Following the destruction of the enemy's maritime navigation systems in the southern islets of the Strait of Hormuz, no vessel violating the restrictions managed to enter the illegal maritime lane last night, while the flow of oil smuggling through this route was completely disrupted," the official, who was unnamed, reportedly stated. There was no immediate comment from the American side. Iran closed the strategically vital waterway following the onset of the war by the US and Israel and insists that ships must use the route designated by Tehran in the region, highlighting Strait of Hormuz control.
Ahmad Nafisi (Iranian official): No infrastructure damage from American attack on Qeshm Island
Ahmad Nafisi, deputy governor of Hormozgan province, stated that American forces struck areas outside the residential and commercial zones of Qeshm Island during overnight attacks. "No damage was sustained to the island's vital infrastructure and utility service infrastructure," he told state broadcaster IRIB. "The situation on Qeshm Island is under control, and all relief agencies, utility services, and relevant state bodies are on full alert," he added. Earlier, Iranian state media reported that American forces launched "projectiles" toward Qeshm Island on Sunday evening, causing at least four explosions, driving Qeshm Island security updates.
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