Foreign Minister Araghchi said on October 18 2026 that Tehran was still reviewing US comments on its seven-day proposal and that the Strait of Hormuz would reopen on day six, with negotiations from day seven, if its conditions - including lifting the US blockade of Iranian ports - were met. In the same week UKMTO reported 10 attacks, one sinking a ship, making October the busiest month for reported attacks since March; the IRGC said a supertanker struck a mine on October 17; and CBS reported that the White House and Pentagon had prepared plans to use the MOAB against Iranian military sites.