TEHRAN, Iran — Iran’s chief negotiator and parliamentary speaker, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, has warned that preventing a renewed war with the United States now depends on Washington’s next steps, following fresh military strikes in the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
Qalibaf said Tehran had delivered what he described as a “firm and rational response” to the United States and expected Washington to act carefully to prevent another escalation.
Addressing parliament on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, he said Iran remained prepared for military confrontation but insisted that the United States had an opportunity to prevent further fighting.
His comments came after a U.S. official confirmed that American forces had conducted defensive strikes against Iranian targets in the Strait of Hormuz. The official said the targets included Iranian personnel using surface-to-air missiles. The official spoke anonymously because they were not authorized to discuss the operation publicly.
Iranian state television also reported explosions on Qeshm Island, although details surrounding the reported incident remained unclear. (“AP News” (https://apnews.com/article/9ae5cec3d1f9cde02652f52f7f80fbce))
Qalibaf Warns Washington Against Further Military Action
Qalibaf warned that another U.S. strategic miscalculation could lead to a new phase of fighting, with potentially serious consequences for Washington.
He said Iran was keeping its military forces on alert and would respond if attacked again.
The Iranian parliament speaker did not provide details about the response Tehran had delivered to Washington or explain precisely what actions he expected the American government to take.
His remarks nevertheless highlighted the fragile state of relations between the two countries as diplomatic efforts continue alongside military preparations.
The United States and Iran have been involved in an eight-month conflict, with tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz remaining a major obstacle to reaching a lasting agreement.
India Reports Death of National in Attack on Vessel Near Oman
In another development, India has confirmed that one of its nationals was killed after a commercial vessel was attacked off the coast of Oman.
India’s Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister, Sarbananda Sonowal, said the Indian-flagged vessel MSV AL JUSUFI was struck by an unidentified aerial object near Limah on Monday.
Thirteen people were rescued following the incident, while the Indian national who died was among those affected by the attack.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs said its embassy in Oman was working with local authorities to arrange the return of the rescued nationals and the deceased person’s body.
No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, and the identity of the weapon or party responsible has not been established.
The incident has raised further concerns about the safety of commercial shipping around the Arabian Peninsula, particularly as the wider conflict continues to threaten important maritime routes. (“AP News” (https://apnews.com/article/9ae5cec3d1f9cde02652f52f7f80fbce))
China Calls for Dialogue as Regional Tensions Increase
China has urged the United States and Iran to resolve their differences through diplomatic negotiations rather than further military action.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Beijing believed military measures would not resolve the underlying problems and could instead intensify tensions.
China also announced plans to send a special envoy to Iran, Oman and Saudi Arabia in early to mid-November as part of its efforts to support regional peace and stability.
The diplomatic initiative comes as China seeks to encourage negotiations and prevent further disruption to the Middle East, a region that plays an important role in global energy supplies.
Beijing’s position reflects growing international concern about the potential consequences of another round of fighting between Washington and Tehran. (“AP News” (https://apnews.com/article/9ae5cec3d1f9cde02652f52f7f80fbce))
Strait of Hormuz Remains Central to Diplomatic Efforts
The Strait of Hormuz continues to be a major point of disagreement between Iran and the United States.
The waterway connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and is one of the world’s most important routes for international oil and gas shipments.
Iran has proposed reopening the strait under conditions that include changes to the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports and restrictions affecting Iranian oil exports.
Tehran has also suggested that vessels using the waterway should follow a route agreed upon by Iran and Oman.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said that discussions through regional mediators are continuing, although the two countries have yet to reach a breakthrough.
Reuters reported on Tuesday that Iranian officials said their proposals remained under discussion through intermediaries, with Tehran arguing that progress depended on Washington’s willingness to respond to its conditions. (“Reuters” (https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/world/1008048/iran-says-contacts-over-ending-war-continue-after-talks-finish-with-no-breakthrough/story/))
Renewed Conflict Raises Concerns Beyond the Middle East
The latest developments have reinforced concerns about the wider economic and security consequences of a renewed confrontation.
Any prolonged disruption to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz could affect international energy markets, commercial transportation and countries that depend on oil and gas supplies from the Gulf.
The attack on the Indian-flagged vessel off Oman has also demonstrated the risks facing commercial crews operating in the region.
For now, diplomatic discussions remain active, but the latest military strikes and warnings from Iranian officials show how fragile the situation remains.
As Washington considers its next steps, international attention is focused on whether negotiations can prevent another escalation and restore greater security to the region’s vital shipping routes.
Swifteradio.com
