South Korea to send patrol aircraft and bomb-disposal team to help keep Hormuz open

■ Steady

US strikes Iranian air-defence site as indirect talks continue and Hormuz stays shut

Trump confirmed that the US military struck an Iranian anti-aircraft facility on Tuesday, while Iran called Washington's reply to its Hormuz plan unconvincing. Iran's Revolutionary Guard says four vessels struck naval mines on a prohibited route in the Strait of Hormuz, which is the IRGC's own account. Iranian officials hailed the Democratic midterm win, but Khamenei said US policy toward Iran will not change. On Thursday South Korea said it will send patrol aircraft and a bomb-disposal team near Hormuz without military intervention in the war.

• Indirect talks continue. Iran says the US must lift its naval blockade and meet its demands in full, while Vance reportedly sees progress.
• Iran says it has a two-day plan to reopen Hormuz and resume nuclear talks. Netanyahu says he wants to "finish the job" first.
• The US reportedly struck Qeshm Island on Monday, described as the latest in a series of limited, secret strikes. Trump has repeated that he may resume strikes.
• Brent crude fell more than 6.5% on Monday to as low as $105.55 a barrel on hopes of a breakthrough. UNCTAD says developing economies bear the heaviest fuel cost burden.