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 restart nuclear negotiations with the United States. This shortens the previous estimate of one week for the process to begin. The move comes as the region prepares for potential renewed conflict, despite diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry stated that ships transiting the reopened strait must follow a route agreed upon by Iran and Oman. Vessels would travel under Iranian supervision. The demand for these conditions remains the basis for negotiations with Washington through mediators. Esmail Baghaei, the ministry spokesperson, said the shorter timeline demonstrates Iran's good-faith approach. He did not indicate that Tehran had altered its demands or that the U.S. had accepted the proposal.

Iran's seven conditions include lifting the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports, removing sanctions on Iranian oil sales, and agreeing to a ceasefire that includes Lebanon. Iran's top diplomat said on Sunday that he hoped the U.S. would choose diplomacy over other paths. President Donald Trump has publicly alternated between pursuing diplomatic solutions and threatening heavy bombing of Iran.

In Yemen, more than 300,000 people have fled renewed fighting, according to the U.N. migration agency. The Houthi-run health ministry reported that explosives hit a market in Taiz province, killing two children and one other person. Spokesperson Anees al-Asbahi blamed Saudi Arabia for the attack, which he said injured eight others. The Associated Press could not independently verify these claims. The fighting has broken a four-year truce, exacerbating a dire humanitarian situation.

Abdusattor Esoev, head of the IOM's mission in Yemen, said families are often forced to flee with little more than the clothes on their backs. Many displaced families in Taiz province are moving south to Aden. Aid groups report limited access to those in need, and people are struggling to find shelter and life essentials.

China plans to send a special envoy to Iran, Oman, and Saudi Arabia in early to mid-November. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told reporters the envoy would focus on easing tensions and promoting regional stability. President Xi Jinping told Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said on Monday that the Gulf region should not become an arena for great-power rivalry. China depends on the region for a large share of its oil.

In the occupied West Bank, the Israeli military concluded an operation in Hebron that began last month after two Palestinian gunmen killed two Israeli soldiers. The military demolished the gunmen's residences and confiscated weapons and illegal vehicles. Hundreds of Palestinians displaced during the operation began returning home on Monday as some Israeli forces withdrew.

In Deir Bahha, the suspected gunmen's neighborhood, explosives experts checked for unexploded devices. Residents found damage to their homes from military raids. Wael Shawar, a resident, said she was shocked to find her door broken and glass shattered upon returning. Tamara Obei, another resident, said she feared bringing her children home because they are psychologically exhausted and unsure if the house is safe.

In southern Gaza, two Israeli airstrikes killed two men early Monday, according to Nasser Hospital. One strike killed a man in his home, and the other killed a man in a tent. The Israeli military did not respond to a request for comment. Major fighting between Israel and Hamas largely halted under the October 2025 ceasefire, but near-daily strikes continue.

About 1,580 Palestinians have been killed since the ceasefire began, bringing the overall death toll to more than 74,500, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. The ministry is part of the Hamas-run government and does not distinguish between civilians and militants.