Iran reviews Qatari proposals on enriched uranium as CENTCOM awaits orders; IRGC claims another US drone downed

Iranian negotiators are reviewing Qatari-mediated proposals on their stockpile of highly enriched uranium, a US official and a diplomat said, Times of Israel reports. The proposals stop short of full dismantlement of the nuclear programme and offer significant sanctions relief.

According to Axios, the Qatari sequence would have the US lift its blockade and release some frozen funds, Iran admit IAEA inspectors to bombed nuclear sites, the Strait of Hormuz reopen, and nuclear talks then begin. Trump, according to the same source, is weighing three options: strikes, continued pressure or a deal.

The military side

Central Command (CENTCOM) is finalising preparations for possible major combat operations but has received no new directive. The aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt will not reach the region before mid-November. Trump acknowledged that 18 US service members have died in the conflict.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) claim to have shot down a US MQ-1 drone over Qeshm Island, which they call the "16th" of its kind. The US has not confirmed it. "If Iran is attacked, it will target all assets of the American enemy without regard to any geographical restrictions," said Iranian Army spokesman Mohammad Akraminia.

Greek shipowner Velos Tankers confirmed that a sailor from the MT Velos Sapphire, hit on Thursday by a suspected missile, has died.