US Iran War Highlights: Scott Bessent says US will keep targeting those enabling Iranian oil sales
Scott Bessent said that Washington would continue targeting those facilitating Iranian oil sales as the United States imposed a new round of sanctions on Iran’s oil network.
by Mashkoora Khan · The Indian Express · JoinThe US military was ordered to be ready for possible resumption of major combat operations in Iran, as US President Donald Trump weighs timing. Citing US and Israeli sources, Axios reported the strikes could happen before the US midterm elections, which will take place on November 3, and possibly the Israeli elections a week earlier.
Meanwhile, Iran-backed Houthi forces say they fired fresh missiles at an airport in Riyadh, and nearly half of the departures from the Saudi capital’s main airport have been cancelled. The Saudi-led coalition in Yemen says it destroyed two ballistic missiles aimed at Riyadh and one aimed at Khamis Mushait. US President Donald Trump says Washington and Tehran are in talks and that the US will not attack Iran before the midterm elections on November 3.
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Missile shrapnel damaged a nursery and a medical clinic complex in Riyadh, Khaleej Times says. Indian carriers Akasa Air and IndiGo have cancelled Riyadh flights, which may disrupt travel for Indians in the Gulf. The US State Department says American government employees need “special authorization” to use the airport, and the US has imposed new Iran-related sanctions, including on 17 vessels of Iran’s “shadow fleet”.
Key world developments:
- The Houthi military spokesman says the group hit King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh with a ballistic missile.
- Coalition spokesman Colonel Turki al-Maliki says forces destroyed two missiles aimed at Riyadh and one aimed at Khamis Mushait.
- Nearly half of departures at Riyadh airport were cancelled after the attacks.
- Trump says the US and Iran are having “productive discussions” and no attack will come before November 3.
- Iran says wrestling team was ‘respectfully welcomed’ into the US ahead of world championships.
Follow the latest world news and major international developments here, including the latest on the US-Iran war and talks over the Strait of Hormuz. This live blog is a rolling curation of the day’s key global stories, with updates added as events unfold and the news agenda changes. The headline, introduction and Top Developments section will be refreshed throughout the day to reflect the stories that matter most at that moment.
Live Updates
Oct 9, 2026 05:13 PM IST
EU aviation agency widens Saudi airspace alert, citing growing risk from Houthi strikes
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency EASA said on Friday it recommended airlines not to operate in additional portions of Saudi airspace after Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis attacked Riyadh airport.
In an updated conflict zone information bulletin for Saudi Arabia airspace, initially issued on September 30, the EU regulator said recent attacks had demonstrated the ability and intent of the Houthis to strike targets deeper inside Saudi territory, including the capital. EASA added a further area in north-western Saudi Arabia into the advisory.
Saudi Arabia's civil aviation authority said earlier on Friday that three Saudi nationals were killed and several people were injured in two attacks on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on Thursday.
Oct 9, 2026 11:00 AM IST
China to resume October fuel exports after holiday pause, sources say
China is set to resume October refined fuel exports after a brief halt during its Golden Week holiday, a move that will help ease tight global diesel, gasoline and jet fuel markets, four traders familiar with the matter said on Friday.
China has approved October exports of the three fuels at around 3.7 million metric tons combined, according to two other industry participants.
Chinese refiners were expected to export slightly more than 4 million tons of gasoline, diesel and jet fuel in September, Reuters reported early last month.
The world's biggest oil importer began curbing fuel exports in March to safeguard domestic fuel supplies as the US-Israeli war on Iran disrupted crude oil flows and refinery production, but relaxed controls between July and September.
China's National Development and Reform Commission and the Ministry of Commerce did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Oct 9, 2026 10:27 AM IST
The long-deployed USS Lincoln returns home to San Diego Bay
After more than 10 months at sea, thousands of sailors Thursday poured out of the the USS Lincoln on San Diego Bay to thunderous cheers, streaming tears and emotional hugs, marking a homecoming that included new dads who met babies born while they were away on a historic deployment supporting the Iran war.
The reunion followed an emotional rollercoaster for families who described crying and losing sleep after hearing reports of supply shortages and deteriorating mental health among the crew during the deployment that spent a record 265 days of uninterrupted time at sea.
Oct 9, 2026 10:18 AM IST
Air India, IndiGo, Akasa suspend Riyadh flights after Houthi strike
A plane was badly damaged at Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport on Thursday after missile strikes by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis, according to Reuters.
Air India, IndiGo and Akasa Air have suspended Riyadh flights, along with Lufthansa as reported by the Associated Press (AP). The Houthis say they are hitting Saudi Arabia because it backs Yemen’s government in the civil war. Saudi officials say three people have died in strikes on airports this week. Read more
Oct 9, 2026 10:17 AM IST
Oil falls as Trump comments on Iran talks ease supply concerns
Oil prices fell on Friday as Middle East supply concerns eased somewhat after US President Donald Trump said the country will not attack Iran before US elections next month amid productive talks to end their war that has disrupted the market.
Brent crude futures fell 72 cents, or 0.7%, to $103.53 a barrel by 0220 GMT. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures fell 52 cents, or 0.6%, to $90.97.
Oct 9, 2026 09:56 AM IST
IRGC Navy says it 'punishes' vessels violating Hormuz rules nightly
The IRGC Navy carries out operations every night against vessels it considers in violation of its rules in the Strait of Hormuz, the force’s political deputy Ali Mohammadi said Thursday.
“Every night, from the beginning of the war until now, the IRGC Navy has carried out these operations to protect the country’s interests,” Mohammadi told the IRGC-affiliated Fars news agency.
“The IRGC Navy has had complete and absolute surveillance over the Strait of Hormuz from the first day of the war,” he said, adding that the force can “impose its will” on vessels it considers to be violating its rules.
Oct 9, 2026 07:56 AM IST
Bessent says US will keep targeting those enabling Iranian oil sales
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Thursday that Washington would continue targeting those facilitating Iranian oil sales as the United States imposed a new round of sanctions on Iran’s oil network.
“Treasury is starving the tyrannical regime in Tehran of the money it uses to wage war in the region, and we will continue exposing those who enable the regime’s oil sales,” Bessent said in a post on X.
“No enabler of Iranian sanctions evasion is safe from the full force of Treasury’s authorities,” he added.
Oct 9, 2026 07:27 AM IST
Global stocks fall as oil jumps 4 percent on Middle East war concerns
Global shares fell on Thursday as a sharp rise in oil prices and concerns over mounting corporate debt weighed on markets, Reuters reported.
Wall Street’s S&P 500 fell about 0.5 percent, while the Nasdaq dropped nearly 1.3 percent. Chipmakers were among the weakest performers, despite strong earnings from major Asian semiconductor companies.
Oil prices settled about 4 percent higher as concerns over the US war on Iran and possible supply disruptions from a hurricane approaching the US Gulf Coast boosted crude.
Oct 9, 2026 07:01 AM IST
Why US has suspended Indian IT firms Cognizant, TCS, Wipro, HCL from Green Card filings
The US government is suspending several large Indian IT firms from a key programme that allows skilled foreign workers to gain permanent residency. The administration has cited alleged fraud, and claimed that foreign workers got jobs in the US at the cost of American workers.
US Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling said, “I am hereby suspending from the Permanent Labor Certification Program some of the largest IT outsourcing firms in the world — Cognizant, Infosys, Tata, Wipro, HCL, and Capgemini”. The move is a major blow for Indian professionals looking to work at some of these companies in the US.
Oct 9, 2026 06:58 AM IST
USS Abraham Lincoln returns to US after deployment in Iran war
The USS Abraham Lincoln returned to its home port in San Diego Thursday after a 321-day deployment that included months supporting US military operations in the war with Iran, CBS News reported.
The aircraft carrier and its strike group spent more than 10 months deployed, including more than 250 uninterrupted days at sea this year.
The Lincoln left the Middle East in late August and sailed toward San Diego with stops in Thailand and Guam. The Japan-based USS George Washington arrived in the Middle East in August to replace it.
Oct 9, 2026 06:47 AM IST
Photo: Pro-government demonstrators gather in Tehran
Oct 9, 2026 05:55 AM IST
The Trump administration is suspending Microsoft from a green card program, alleging fraud
President Donald Trump's administration announced Thursday it was suspending Microsoft and several other firms from a program allowing foreign workers to apply for green cards, as it also lashed out at universities that bring international students to the U.S. on exchange programs.
The announcement by Vice President JD Vance marks the latest swing from the Trump administration at employers and universities that welcome foreign students and workers into the country.
Such programs have frequently been targeted by some Trump supporters who argue they undercut American students and workers.
Oct 9, 2026 05:27 AM IST
Akasa Air, Indigo cancel Riyadh flights
Akasa Air and IndiGo have cancelled flights to and from Riyadh amid Houthi attacks on the Kingdom.
IndiGo announced it would be cancelling all flights until October 9, while Akasa Air said it would be halting flights until October 10.
Affected customers with IndiGo are reportedly being offered complimentary rescheduling or a full refund under IndiGo Plan B. Meanwhile, passengers with Akasa Air may opt for a full refund, credited to the original source of payment within seven days, or reschedule their travel at no additional cost.
Oct 9, 2026 05:10 AM IST
Yemen's Houthis warn staff to leave Saudi oil sites
Yemen's Houthis on Thursday called on staff at oil facilities in Saudi Arabia to leave to avoid being targeted as hostilities escalate with Riyadh, which backs Yemen's internationally recognised government fighting the Iran-backed group, AFP reported.
"Employees at all oil facilities must leave areas that are targets for our forces, so as not to endanger their lives," Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree wrote on X, while also issuing a warning "to airlines, airports, travelers and their staff".
Oct 9, 2026 04:56 AM IST
Trump says US will not attack Iran before midterm elections on November 3
US President Donald Trump said that US will not attack Iran any time prior to the midterm elections that will be held in the US on November 3, reported Reuters. He also said that the US is "having productive discussions" with Iran.
"I want to make it clear to everybody that, while Iran is in very bad condition, both Economically and Militarily, and while the Blockade will remain in full force and effect, with Oil flowing in Record Numbers of Barrels through the Hormuz Strait (22 Million Barrels, last night alone, with not one barrel coming from, or going to, Iran!), we will not be attacking Iran at any time prior to the Midterm Elections to be held in the United States on November 3rd," the President said in a Truth Social post.
Oct 9, 2026 04:54 AM IST
US imposes fresh Iran-related sanctions
The United States on Thursday imposed fresh Iran-related sanctions, targeting dozens of people, entities and vessels, according to the Treasury Department website.
Oct 9, 2026 04:53 AM IST
US imposes sanctions on 17 vessels of Iran 'shadow fleet'
The US imposed sanctions Thursday targeting "the remnants of Iran's shadow fleet" of tankers used to transport oil products to foreign markets -- the latest move to ramp up pressure in its war against Tehran, according to AFP.
"Today's action effectively neutralizes the vast majority of Iran's remaining shadow fleet network," the US Treasury Department said in a statement.
The aim is to deprive Tehran of funds needed to "wage war in the region," added Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
Thursday's move takes aim at 17 vessels said to have moved millions of barrels of Iranian crude oil, alongside petroleum and petrochemical products, to markets across South and East Asia.
The Treasury Department designated companies that own these vessels, accusing them of operating in the petroleum or petrochemical sectors of the Iranian economy.
Oct 9, 2026 04:53 AM IST
Putin tells Iran leader will 'do everything' to help end war
Russian President Vladimir Putin held talks with Iranian counterpart Masoud Pezeshkian on Thursday and promised to "do everything" to help end the Middle East conflict, Russian news agencies reported, as per AFP.
"We are ready to do everything that is in our power to contribute to the settlement of this situation," said Putin ahead of a regional summit in the Central Asian nation, adding that Iran had made "real efforts to end the war", which started with US-Israeli attacks on its territory.
Oct 9, 2026 04:51 AM IST
Iran says arms output sufficient for ‘sustained and prolonged war’
Iranian Defence Ministry spokesperson Reza Talaei-Nik says the country’s weapons production capacity is sufficient to meet the needs of a “sustained and prolonged war”.
“We currently have the production capacity needed for a sustained and prolonged war within our production system,” Talaei-Nik said in an interview with state television.
He said weapons production during the war rose to 2.5 times its prewar level, adding that the country had prepared secure alternative production sites in advance and that military production had not stopped “even for one day”.
Oct 9, 2026 04:49 AM IST
US congressman calls on lawmakers to end costly war on Iran
California Congressman Ro Khanna is calling on US lawmakers to vote to end the war on Iran, pointing to rising petrol and diesel prices.
Both the Senate and House of Representatives have adjourned for recess until November 9.
Khanna noted that “families are worried whether they can afford heating oil for the winter. We need to come back and do our job.”
Oct 9, 2026 04:48 AM IST
Oil rises 4 percent on revived Middle East worries
Oil prices settled 4 percent higher on revived concerns about the ongoing US war on Iran in the energy-rich Middle East.
Brent crude futures closed up $4.08, or 4.1 percent, at $104.28 while US West Texas Intermediate crude rose 3.6 percent, or $3.21, to $91.49.
At one point both contracts were up more than $5 a barrel, with Brent touching its highest since September 29 on worries about potential US strikes on Iran and as Hurricane Isaias is set to make landfall on Friday.
Oct 9, 2026 04:45 AM IST
US to continue exposing Iran oil sales ‘enablers’: Bessent
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has said the US will continue to expose “enablers” of the Iranian government as his department continues imposing sanctions on oil sales.
In a social media statement on Thursday, Bessent said the “Treasury is starving the tyrannical regime in Tehran of the money it uses to wage war in the region, and we will continue exposing those who enable the regime’s oil sales”.
“No enabler of Iranian sanctions evasion is safe from the full force of Treasury’s authorities,” he added.
Earlier on Thursday, the US announced a raft of new sanctions on entities and individuals it said are tied to Iran’s government, part of its ongoing economic pressure campaign on the country.
Oct 9, 2026 04:44 AM IST
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