Iran claims fresh strike on U.S. base as Hormuz shipping crisis deepens

Iran reported a drone attack on a U.S. military base in Bahrain on Sunday, amid growing tensions in the region. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed six drones targeted an air-defense radar at Bahrain's Riffa Air Base, prompting Bahrain to issue multiple security alerts. However, the U.S. Central Command has not confirmed the Iranian assertion and denies earlier claims of damage at the facility, stating that they intercepted two drones without casualties or damage.

The escalation comes after Iran's navy reported two additional tankers being struck by mines and set ablaze in the eastern Strait of Hormuz, bringing the total to seven incidents within 24 hours. Tehran blames ships using the waterway without Iranian authorization for violating its restrictions. Iranian officials have linked the resumption of shipping to the end of the U.S. naval blockade and acceptance of seven conditions for a potential agreement.

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated that Tehran remains open to negotiations or renewed conflict, warning that its armed forces would decide the extent of any response to further U.S. action. The disruptions extend beyond energy shipments, with a senior UN official urging Washington and Tehran to allow fertilizer cargoes through Hormuz.

The UN official warned that missed planting seasons could leave 45 million people at risk of severe food insecurity, as fertilizer prices have risen 30% since the blockades.

In Saudi Arabia, a coalition led by the kingdom reported intercepting two ballistic missiles headed toward Riyadh and three Houthi drones over the eastern region. The Houthis separately claimed to have brought down a Saudi reconnaissance aircraft over Yemen's al-Jawf province. Iran's Revolutionary Guards also claimed to have destroyed a U.S. MQ-1 drone over Qeshm Island, though this assertion has not been independently verified.

Diplomatic efforts now focus on the upcoming APEC summit in Shenzhen on November 18-19, where U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to discuss the Iran conflict with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Recently, Trump reassigned Vice President JD Vance away from Iran negotiations, signaling that reaching a deal is no longer a priority.