Iran cuts timeline to reopen Strait of Hormuz as Yemen refugees top 300,000

Iran announced on Monday that it has a two-day plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and resume nuclear talks with the United States. This shortens the previous estimate, which called for seven days to implement the plan.

The announcement came as regional tensions remained high. Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said the plan remains the basis for negotiations with Washington through mediators. He stated that the shortened timeline demonstrates Iran's good faith. Baghaei did not indicate that Tehran had changed its demands or that the United States had accepted the proposal.

Under the new terms, ships passing through the reopened strait must follow a route agreed upon by Iran and Oman. The vessels would also travel under Iranian supervision. Previously, Iran said the plan could be executed within a week if the United States met seven conditions. These conditions include lifting the blockade of Iranian ports.

Iranian officials have also demanded that the United States lift sanctions on Iranian oil sales. They further require a ceasefire that includes Lebanon. The main Iranian diplomat said on Sunday that he hoped the United States would choose diplomacy over other paths.

President Donald Trump has publicly oscillated between seeking diplomatic solutions and threatening heavy bombing of Iran. The region is preparing for a possible resumption of combat even as these diplomatic efforts continue.

In Yemen, more than 300,000 people have fled fighting, according to the United Nations migration agency. The conflict between Iran-backed Houthi rebels and Saudi-backed government forces has broken a four-year truce. This has worsened a humanitarian crisis in one of the poorest countries in the Middle East.

The International Organization for Migration reported that Aden has received more than 56,000 displaced people. Families are also moving toward Taiz province in the southwest. Abdusattor Esoev, head of the IOM mission in Yemen, said families are often fleeing with only the clothes on their backs. He noted that they urgently need shelter, food, water, and medical care.

China plans to send a special envoy to Iran, Oman, and Saudi Arabia in early or mid-November. Mao Ning, spokesperson for China's foreign ministry, said the envoy would focus on easing tensions and promoting regional stability. President Xi Jinping told Omani Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said on Monday that the Gulf should not become a stage for great power rivalry.

In Gaza, two Israeli air strikes killed two men in the south on Monday. Nasser Hospital confirmed that one man died in his home and the other in a tent. The Israeli military did not respond immediately to a request for comment.

Since the October 2025 ceasefire, approximately 1,580 Palestinians have died, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. This brings the total death toll to more than 74,500. The ministry, part of the Hamas-led government, does not distinguish between civilians and combatants in its counts.