Briefing

Trump hints at new Iran strike as Hormuz attacks hit record

US Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack said a strike on Iran could come this weekend, and Trump said more military action may lie ahead. October was the worst month on record for attacks on shipping around the Strait of Hormuz, with 28 incidents, according to Al-Monitor. Two Iranian officials told Reuters Tehran would target undersea cables and oil sites in the Persian Gulf if attacked again. Brent crude passed $117 a barrel amid fears of fresh strikes.

Updated 2026-10-23 23:21 UTC

Stories in this briefing

Trump hints at new Iran operation as US diplomats exit Saudi Arabia

President Donald Trump told a Florida rally the US “may do another little Epic Fury” against Iran, after saying he knew nothing about US Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack’s remark that a strike could come this weekend.

Record Hormuz attacks; IRGC reports more tanker blasts

October is the worst month on record for attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and nearby waterways, with 28 confirmed or reported incidents, according to data cited by Al-Monitor.

Oil tops $117 as fears of renewed US strikes on Iran mount

Brent crude rose about 3.5% on Friday and passed $117 a barrel, its highest level since April, as fears mounted that the United States will renew strikes on Iran, The Guardian reported.

Iran threatens Persian Gulf oil and cable strikes if attacked again

Two senior Iranian security officials told Reuters that Tehran has drawn up detailed plans to target undersea communications cables in the Persian Gulf if the US and Israel attack again…