Iran says U.S. must act to stop new war after Hormuz strikes

Iran’s chief negotiator stated that preventing renewed conflict is now the responsibility of the United States.

The assessment came from Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, the speaker of the Iranian parliament. He addressed lawmakers on Tuesday, following recent military actions in the Strait of Hormuz. A U.S. official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to comment publicly, said American forces conducted defensive strikes. These strikes targeted Iranian forces using surface-to-air missiles. Iranian state television reported that explosions were heard on Qeshm Island.

Qalibaf described Iran’s reaction as a firm and rational response to Washington. He noted that Tehran remains ready for battle, with its finger on the trigger. He did not provide specific details on the nature of the response. His remarks suggest a shift in diplomatic posture, placing the burden of de-escalation on the American side.

During the same address, Qalibaf issued a warning to Washington. He stated that if the U.S. makes another strategic miscalculation, it will face a new battlefield. He added that the United States will find itself even more desperate than it is today, searching for a way out.

The situation in the region continued to affect commercial shipping. India’s foreign ministry reported an attack on a commercial vessel near Limah, Oman. The incident occurred on Monday. Indian Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal identified the ship as the Indian-flagged MSV AL JUSUFI. He said the vessel was hit by an unidentified aerial object off the coast. One Indian national was killed in the attack. Thirteen people were rescued. The Indian Embassy in Oman is working with local authorities to arrange the return of the rescued nationals and the body of the deceased. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, though Iran has previously blamed vessels that took unauthorized routes or struck mines.

In Yemen, the United Nations reported that displaced women and children are losing access to essential services. Renewed fighting between Iran-backed Houthis and Saudi-backed government forces has displaced approximately 300,000 people over the past few months. This conflict broke a four-year truce and is concentrated in the west coast and the southern province of Taiz. Francesco Galtieri, the U.N. Population Fund's representative in Aden, said fighting has escalated to levels not seen since 2020. In the besieged city of Taiz, he warned of a rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation. More than 147,000 women and girls of reproductive age have limited access to life-saving services. Of the city’s 27 emergency maternal and neonatal hospitals, only five remain operational. U.N. estimates indicate that more than 13,000 pregnant women currently lack access to essential maternal healthcare.

China called for dialogue to resolve the disputes in the Middle East. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said during a briefing in Beijing that military means do not help resolve problems. She stated that military action will only exacerbate tensions and escalate the situation. China announced on Monday that it will send a special envoy to Iran, Oman, and Saudi Arabia in early to mid-November. This move is part of Beijing’s efforts to promote regional peace.