Morning update

Good morning Middle East Eye readers,

Iranian media reports that Tehran will not participate in upcoming talks with the United States. President Donald Trump recently ordered US negotiators to travel to Pakistan, just days before a Middle East ceasefire expires. Trump acknowledged the war on Iran may have contributed to Republicans' losses in the recent midterm elections. During an interview with Fox News, Trump stated he understands the significance of his actions regarding Iran but was willing to accept the election results.

Iran's chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, claimed Americans voted "NO TO WAR" after Democrats defeated Republicans in the midterms. Ghalibaf's post on X said Iranians endorsed this message, and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) stated four oil tankers were destroyed after hitting naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz. The IRGC also said they intercepted two other vessels in the area.

Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid accused supporters of Benjamin Netanyahu's government of attempting to suppress democracy and steal the election. Lapid accused these individuals of being government plants in the security system, calling it a direct threat to democracy. In an interview with The Financial Times, Trump indicated there are no immediate plans to strike Iran. He stated that they are ready and could go if necessary, but added that they may not need to due to the current negotiations with Iran.