Iran's IRGC threatens to target US bases if commercial ships continue transiting Strait of Hormuz

President Donald Trump on Thursday invoked emergency wartime powers to ramp up domestic oil production, arguing that the country’s national security is at risk without immediate federal intervention.

The move, under the Defense Production Act, will provide federal financial support through purchase commitments and cut through bureaucratic delays to speed up production.

The directive came after authorities concluded that private industry could not expand production quickly enough on its own due to infrastructure constraints.

“Without immediate Federal action, United States defense capabilities will remain vulnerable to disruption,” Trump said in a statement.

“United States industry cannot reasonably be expected to provide these capabilities for the needed industrial resource, material, or critical technology item in a timely manner due to constrained financing, long lead times, permitting and infrastructure bottlenecks, and supply chain limitations.”

The Secretary of War was directed to use the emergency powers to accelerate domestic petroleum production. 

President Donald Trump on Thursday touted the success of the U.S. naval blockade, saying maritime escorts had helped reopen shipping lanes for non-Iranian oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz, allowing shipments to surge past prewar levels.

Trump made the remarks during a rally in Sioux City, Iowa, where he campaigned for U.S. Senate candidate Ashley Hinson ahead of the midterm elections.

“More oil came out of the Hormuz Strait over the last week than at any time previous, including before the war, the start of the war,” Trump said.

At the same time, the blockade had successfully cut off Iran’s ability to ship and export its own oil, he said.

Oil prices will then fall for consumers once the war ends, Trump said.

However, Trump acknowledged that despite the U.S. military’s success in eliminating Iran’s top leadership, he now has no viable counterpart to negotiate with.

“The problem we have is we wiped out their leaders,” Trump said. “My biggest problem, nobody wants to be president of Iran.”

Saudi Arabia’s Joint Forces Command on Thursday rejected claims by the Houthi militia that the kingdom threatened to target Yemeni tribal and civilian gatherings, arguing that the allegations were intended to manipulate tribal groups into regional conflicts.

“The claims promoted by the terrorist Houthi militia that the Kingdom is threatening to target tribal and civilian gatherings are false and baseless. We categorically reject them,” the command said.

“In both their substance and timing, these claims reflect ongoing attempts to mislead public opinion, divert attention from the militia’s crises and practices, and drag members of Yemen’s historic tribes into its conflicts.”

The command added that Saudi Arabia remains committed to supporting Yemen’s security and stability.

“This strengthens security and stability, protects the interests of both peoples and prevents Yemen’s tribes from being exploited or dragged into conflicts that do not serve Yemenis’ aspirations for security, peace and development,” the command said.

Yemen’s local tribes have long played a role in safeguarding Saudi Arabia’s national security by countering Houthi threats and helping secure the kingdom’s southern border.

Saudi Arabia’s state oil giant Aramco is seeking partnerships with foreign governments to store Saudi crude overseas, protecting its oil stockpiles from disruptions stemming from the Iran war.

CEO Amin Nasser told Al Arabiya Business that oil demand could rise by 3 million barrels per day once trade conditions and commercial activity normalize after the war ends, Iran International reported.

Aramco is also planning alternative oil transportation routes after the war exposed vulnerabilities in major shipping chokepoints, including the Strait of Hormuz, Bab al-Mandab and the Suez Canal, the outlet said.

According to the report, Saudi oil production is gradually recovering after falling from 10 million barrels per day to 7 million barrels per day during the first six months of the war, the International Energy Agency said. As of September, output reportedly climbed to about 8 million barrels per day.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday reignited Israel’s conviction to overthrow the Iranian regime, declaring it the only way to permanently eliminate the threat posed to the country.

Netanyahu made the remarks during a speech at the IDF officers’ course graduation ceremony, arguing that Israel must act to neutralize Iran’s nuclear threat and its regional proxies.

“There is only one way to remove this threat once and for all: overthrow the regime in Iran. And that is my directive to the IDF, the Mossad, and the security branches,” Netanyahu said. 

“As long as they remain standing – even battered, as I noted – they still have hope. These extremists, these fanatics – they have one primary goal: first, death to Israel. Afterwards, also death to the United States, but first of all, death to Israel.” 

“As long as they are here, as long as they strive to acquire horrific weapons, the State of Israel faces an existential threat. And our duty, the duty of all of us, is to save the nation.”

Netanyahu said Israel would pursue that goal with the support of the United States.

“My good friend President Trump also believes that this is the only way. He said a few days ago: 'We are ready to finish the job' – and he said, 'but we will only do so with you, the State of Israel.' And that is exactly what we will do,” Netanyahu added. 

Israel’s Ministry of Defense on Thursday announced sanctions against a Europe-based company accused of supplying fuel to Hezbollah.

Coral Oil, a Lebanese company registered in the U.K., has been linked to the transfer of about 130,000 liters of fuel to Al-Amana, a Hezbollah-owned fuel company designated as a terrorist organization by Israel’s defense minister in 2020, officials said.

The ministry said the sanctions are intended to cut off vital supply chains supporting Hezbollah’s terrorist operations.

“The sanction aims to sever the link between the business and commercial sphere and the logistical infrastructure that enables Hezbollah to operate its terror apparatus,” the ministry said.

“For Hezbollah, fuel is more than a commercial commodity. The organization uses fuel distillates for operational and logistical purposes, including transporting weapons and military components, powering generators and infrastructure, and supporting its underground infrastructure,” the ministry said.

“Supplying fuel to Hezbollah therefore provides it with operational capabilities that sustain its activities and advance terrorist activity against Israel.”

Coral Oil is controlled by the Yamin family and is linked to a broad network of affiliated companies and international business ties, forming a multihundred-million-dollar international energy and trade network, according to the ministry.

Greece on Thursday announced plans to implement sanctions to address “illegal financial activities linked to Iran.”

The move came after the U.S. Department of the Treasury announced Wednesday the framework for Operation “Economic Outcast” to target Iran’s shadow fleet networks, including Greece and Panama-based law firm Karnakis and Karnakis.

“The Greek authorities are working closely with the competent authorities of the United States and other partners and welcome any action aimed at preserving the integrity of the international financial system,” the Greek finance ministry said.

“Greece implements the applicable sanctions and supports efforts to effectively combat money laundering and terrorist financing.”

According to the Treasury Department, Karnakis and Karnakis created shell companies and helped Iranian tycoon Seyed Asadoollah Emamjomeh conceal his ownership of a shipping empire while moving hundreds of millions of dollars in petroleum products.

The firm allegedly supported “illicit Iranian shipping activity for years, indirectly aiding Tehran’s ability to generate revenue to fund its military, weapons, and nuclear programs,” the agency said.

President Donald Trump on Thursday acknowledged that taking military action against Iran ahead of the midterms carried political risks, saying some American “patriots” strongly supported the decision while others may have had reservations about its costs.

He made the remarks when a reporter asked how he believes the Iran war has affected the election.

“One way, they love it because I'm doing what should have been done by other presidents. And another way, maybe they don't. There's a price to pay, which I knew immediately when I did it,” he said.

Despite the potential political fallout, Trump defended the military action, arguing that the U.S. cannot “let Iran have a nuclear weapon.”

“We've knocked the hell out of them. And we may do it a little bit further,” he said

The State Department said Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Qatari leaders Thursday, expressing appreciation for the country's role in diplomatic efforts in the Middle East.

During the call, Rubio and Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani discussed the two countries’ strategic partnership and efforts to advance their shared interests.

According to a Qatari government statement, the two specifically discussed diplomatic efforts to “de-escalate tensions and enhance security and stability in the region.” Qatar also stressed the importance of protecting freedom of maritime navigation.

Rubio reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to Qatar’s security and thanked the country for its continued partnership and mediation efforts.

“The Secretary reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to Qatar’s security and freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. The Secretary also expressed appreciation for Qatar’s continued mediation efforts and strong and close partnership in promoting a more secure region,” the State Department said.

Fox News contributor Rebeccah Heinrichs said Thursday that President Donald Trump is unlikely to resume strikes against Iran until after the midterm elections, adding that the U.S. has the Strait of Hormuz “under control” for now.

Her remarks came in response to a New York Times report that the U.S. and Israel are drafting plans to resume strikes after Nov. 3. The outlet reported that potential targets include Iran’s energy infrastructure, nuclear facilities, and missile and drone arsenals.

“I think after the midterms, though, the president will then feel much more comfortable because we know that the Iranians are going to try to retaliate in some way across the Gulf region,” Henrichs said.

She added that a third aircraft carrier is expected to arrive in the region at the end of November to support additional operations.

“So that's probably when we're going to see some kind of military campaign to get at the rest of those targets,” she said.

In response to the reported plans, the U.S. Central Command told Fox News that American forces remain prepared to conduct operations but declined to discuss potential troop or asset movements.

“We regularly move U.S. service members and assets to optimize mission readiness. We do not discuss related movements for operational security reasons. U.S. forces remain vigilant and ready to protect American personnel and interests across the region,” U.S. Central Command spokesperson Navy Capt. Tim Hawkins said.

Fox News Digital's Emma Bussey contributed to this report.

The U.S. Central Command on Thursday marked 100 days since its forces implemented a naval blockade preventing commercial maritime traffic from entering or departing Iranian ports.

“Today marks 100 days since CENTCOM forces resumed America's steel wall naval blockade against Iran,” the agency said in a post on X.

CENTCOM said the blockade has cut off billions of dollars in Iranian crude oil shipments and restricted government revenue used to fund regional proxy groups and terrorist networks.

“This effort has helped prevent Iran from exporting at least $25 billion worth of crude oil and constrained the IRGC's ability to fund proxy militias, criminal networks, and terrorism. There have been no exports or imports to Iran by sea except for the humanitarian aid U.S. forces have allowed,” CENTCOM said.

While the blockade targeting maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz was initially established in April, CENTCOM resumed strict enforcement on July 14, 2026.

The operation was characterized as a “steel wall” to underscore the intensity of efforts to choke off Iranian maritime trade.

National Energy Dominance Council executive director Jarrod Agen discussed the President Donald Trump taking control of the Strait of Hormuz and playing the "long game" with oil prices.

Former Energy Secretary Dan Brouillette discusses the Iran war’s impact on oil exports and the Trump administration’s efforts to stabilize energy prices on Fox Business' "Kudlow."

Americans traveling in and through the Middle East have a new wrinkle to sort out.

The U.S. State Department has pushed back against circulating reports that it directed nonessential government personnel and their dependents to leave the entire Gulf region, clarifying that the departure order applies only to Saudi Arabia.

State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott dismissed the broader regional claims, calling them "inaccurate" after the department released a formal statement confirming the targeted drawdown within the kingdom.

"The U.S. Department of State issued an ordered departure for non-emergency U.S. government employees and their family members in Saudi Arabia," the department said.

The clarification arrived amid an uptick in militant strikes aimed at key regional transit hubs.

In the statement shared with Fox News Digital, the spokesperson noted that "Iranian-supported Houthis have increasingly engaged in hostilities against Saudi Arabia, including attacks on civilian airports and other critical infrastructure resulting in civilian casualties and severe travel disruptions.

"Officials warned the security environment remains highly volatile, adding the conflict "has the potential to escalate rapidly, including beyond that immediate area."

The department emphasized that the safety and security of its staff and its households remain its highest priority.

This is an excerpt from an article by Fox News' Jessica Mekles.

President Donald Trump says Iran is doing "everything they can" to hike up the price of oil ahead of the U.S. Midterm Elections on Thursday.

Trump made the statement in a post on his Truth Social account, accusing Tehran of inventing incidents in the Strait of Hormuz.

"Iran is doing everything they can to drive up the price of Oil prior to the U.S. Midterm Election. They are even making up fake hits, mines, and everything else, because more Oil is coming through the Hormuz Strait now than it did even prior to the beginning of the Conflict," Trump wrote.

"They continue to kill protestors, and anyone else that happens to be in their way. It is truly an Evil Regime, and I can only hope the American Public, and the World, understands how EVIL they are! 75,000 protestors lie dead in less than seven months. It is shocking how the World, and the Dumocrat Party, seem not to care. IRAN CAN NEVER HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON, AND THEY WILL NEVER A NUCLEAR WEAPON!" he added.

Fox News' Trey Yingst reports the latest as the U.S. and Israel reportedly prepare renewed Iran strikes as the Middle East remains on edge.

Former CIA station chief Dan Hoffman joined "America’s Newsroom" to discuss potential U.S. and Israeli military action against Iran on, the Houthi threat and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East on Thursday.

US-Israel strategic communications advisor Yuval David says Iran is resorting to information warfare because it knows it cannot win 'kinetic war' with a strong U.S.-Israel alliance.

As gas prices climb amid the conflict with Iran, some of President Donald Trump's most loyal supporters say they're willing to pay more at the pump if it means keeping Tehran from obtaining a nuclear weapon — even with the midterm elections just two weeks away.

"If you're really a good American, you'll be thinking not for yourself or how much you're spending for gas. But what life is going to be like for your children, your grandchildren and great-grandchildren," one voter told Fox News Digital on Tuesday evening. 

"What will they grow up to? You have to keep those people in the political regime in Iran without a nuclear weapon. If we don't do something now, isn't that worth paying another dollar a gallon?" 

Fox News Digital spoke with several voters following Trump's Tuesday rally at Pitt-Greenville Airport about rising gas prices, the upcoming midterm elections and the ongoing war with Iran, which has sent oil prices surging and added to Americans' affordability concerns.

"Things haven't changed much since Sleepy Joe," another local voter, Shauna, told Fox News Digital about former President Joe Biden. "At least prices. ... But [Trump is] doing the best he can with what he has. Because, you know, he's not Congress. He can only pass so much."

Another rallygoer told Fox News Digital that preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon was worth the cost of higher gas prices for American drivers.

"We believed in what he [Trump] was saying and what he stood for," local voter Michael told Fox News Digital. "And you hear people today saying, 'Y'all wanted to get politicians out of Washington.' ... We got a businessman in. [He] never claimed to be a politician. He's a businessman.

"Even with the gas prices up for what he's done in Iran," he added. "To me [that] is worth the high gas prices. I'll take that any day to stop a country like Iran and take that nuclear power away. That's a no-brainer, you know. Now, will the gas prices come down? Absolutely. They will come down because of what he's done."

This is an excerpt from an article by Fox News' Ireland Owens.

Iran, recognizing surefire defeat in a kinetic war, is leaning in on an information warfare campaign to undermine the United States and Israel from within, according to Yuval David, a strategic U.S.-Israel geopolitical communications advisor.

"You cannot beat Israel or the United States in a physical kinetic war," David told Fox News Digital from Budapest, where he joined Israeli President Isaac Herzog for high-level diplomatic talks Wednesday, adding the warning of an "information warfare system."

"And that’s what’s going on with social media, with our devices and the people who are on TikTok and Instagram and Facebook and X and YouTube and all of the different social media platforms where the Islamic Republic of Iran is able to affect people’s minds."

"One of the things that it does is it tries to create a rot from within the societies and, sadly, it’s very much succeeding in doing so," he added, stating that Iran's campaign has enjoyed "guidance from Russia and China."

David’s warning comes as Israel prepares for an election next week that analysts say could change its leadership but is unlikely to produce a fundamental shift in the country’s Iran policy.

A Reuters analysis published Wednesday found that Iran will likely remain Israel’s chief adversary, with military force continuing to serve as the country’s preferred tool against its enemies. The report said Israel’s security doctrine is centered on confronting Iran, maintaining buffer zones beyond its borders and keeping military pressure on to deter threats.

A victory for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, backed by conservative coalition partners, could deepen Israel’s confrontation with Tehran, not bring about appeasement. Even an opposition-led government would likely share the same broad strategic outlook, David said.

This is an excerpt from an article by Fox News' Eric Mack.

Fox News correspondent Stephanie Bennett reported on U.S. and Israel drawing up plans for renewed strikes on Iran after the midterm elections on Wednesday.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned Thursday that the conflict between U.S. and Tehran "will extend" to American military bases in the Middle East if the U.S. military continues escorting ships through the Strait of Hormuz, a report said. 

“The US military must know that if this trend continues, the conflict will extend to its bases in the region,” the IRGC was quoted by AFP as saying. 

“This is a serious warning,” the IRGC reportedly added. 

The IRGC also claimed its forces struck four ships in the Persian Gulf after they were found to be conducting ship-to-ship oil transfers, according to Iran's Tasnim News Agency. 

Iran's deputy foreign minister for legal and international affairs, Kazem Gharibabadi, said Wednesday that Iran and China are committed to deepening strategic cooperation across the Global South while working together to counter threats to regional security. 

His remarks came after he met Chinese ambassador to Iran, Cong Peiwu.

“In the meeting with the Chinese ambassador, consultations and an exchange of views were held regarding the strengthening of cooperation and coordination between the two countries in defending national sovereignty, respecting international law, countering unilateralism, and addressing threats to regional peace and security,” Gharibabadi said on X.

Iran and China both emphasized the need to expand cooperation across the Global South, he added. 

China’s Foreign Ministry also said Wednesday that Chinese and Iranian delegations at the 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Council of Heads of Government meeting discussed President Xi Jinping’s four-point proposal to promote peace and security in the Middle East.

Yesterday's Fox News Digital live blog offers additional coverage of the conflict with Iran.