Morning update

Good morning Middle East Eye readers,

Key developments have occurred across the region this morning. Iranian media reported explosions on Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz, along with Sirik and Minab County. US President Donald Trump suggested the US could target Iran's Pickaxe Mountain, urging Iran to exercise caution. Trump expressed expectation of a swift end to the war with Iran following the US midterm elections, hinting at potential negotiations with Tehran.

In Gaza, four Palestinians were killed and several wounded by Israeli gunfire; Israeli artillery also struck Wadi al-Hujeir and Wadi al-Salouqi in southern Lebanon. Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei denounced US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's claims that Yemeni Houthi rebels were acting as Iranian proxies. Hamas announced the death of a top commander, Farah Hamed, in an Israeli strike in the West Bank.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for restraint amid escalating tensions near the Strait of Hormuz. High-level White House advisers, including Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, reportedly warned President Trump that the conflict with Iran could persist beyond the presidential term. Brent crude futures surged past $100 a barrel, marking the highest close since late May, following a wave of attacks on shipping vessels by Iran and the US in the region.

Iranian strikes damaged multiple American military aircraft overnight at the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan, according to CBS reporter Jennifer Jacobs.