US-Iran war live: US strikes Iran’s Qeshm Island as Trump signals progress in peace talks

Saudi Arabia intercepts and destroys drone in Makkah region

Major General Turki Al-Malki, spokesperson for the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen, announced that an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was successfully intercepted and destroyed in Saudi Arabia’s Makkah region.

Ireland urges citizens to avoid non-essential travel to UAE, Qatar and Kuwait

The Embassy of Ireland in the UAE has reiterated its advisory urging Irish citizens to avoid non-essential travel to the UAE, Qatar and Kuwait amid ongoing regional tensions.

Irish residents and visitors in the Gulf have also been encouraged to register with the country’s Citizens Registration service to ensure they can be contacted in an emergency.

The embassy advised citizens to regularly monitor official travel updates as the regional situation evolves.

Trump says oil prices are plunging amid hopes of a deal with Iran

U.S. President Donald Trump stated that oil prices have fallen by nearly $10 per barrel, describing the decline as a record drop driven by expectations that a war with Iran could be avoided.

He also claimed that Iran is seeking a swift settlement and expressed optimism that an agreement could be reached.

U.S. warns of escalating security risks and travel disruptions in Saudi Arabia

The U.S. Mission in Saudi Arabia has warned of heightened security risks following Iranian-backed Houthi attacks on civilian airports and critical infrastructure, causing casualties and major travel disruptions.

Effective October 23, the U.S. Department of State ordered non-emergency government personnel and their families to leave the Kingdom.

Following recent missile and drone attacks, U.S. government employees must obtain special authorisation to use Saudi airports. U.S. citizens are urged to exercise extreme caution, anticipate potential airspace closures and flight cancellations, and confirm flight status directly with airlines and airports.

US strikes Iran’s Qeshm Island amid signs of diplomatic progress

The United States carried out an attack on Iran’s Qeshm Island on Monday, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing unnamed US officials, as President Donald Trump indicated progress in talks aimed at ending the eight-month conflict.

The report described the operation as part of a series of undisclosed, limited US strikes against Iran in recent weeks.

Meanwhile, Iranian state news agency IRNA reported five consecutive explosions on the island, with residents saying they had seen two aircraft flying overhead.