CENTCOM chief briefs Trump on Iran strike options · Tanker hit by explosives in Hormuz; Iran claims four mine strikes · Houthis claim attacks on Saudi oil sites

Risk stays high on Friday, Oct 30. Military planning and diplomacy are running side by side four days before the Nov. 3 midterms.

Middle East: The Wall Street Journal reports that CENTCOM commander Adm. Brad Cooper, joined by Defense Secretary Hegseth and Gen. Dan Caine, briefed President Trump at the White House on Thursday on options to resume major strikes on Iran. No decision has been reported, and officials have said there will be no new strikes before the midterms. At the same time, U.S. envoy Tom Barrack told CNN the two sides are "very close" to agreeing a timeout, while Iran's parliament speaker says Tehran's conditions must be met first.

Strait of Hormuz: UK maritime authorities (UKMTO) confirmed that a small boat attached two explosive devices to an outbound tanker about 25 nautical miles northeast of Khasab, Oman, on Thursday, starting an engine-room fire. The crew is safe and the ship has resumed its voyage; who was behind it is not known. Iran separately claims four tankers hit mines, which has not been independently verified, and disputes U.S. statements that the main lanes have been cleared.

Saudi Arabia/Yemen: The Houthis claim strikes on Saudi airports and oil facilities, including Ras Tanura, Rabigh and Abqaiq; damage has not been confirmed. The Saudi-led coalition reports intercepting Houthi missiles and a drone aimed at the Mecca region, which the Houthis deny launching.

Ukraine/Russia: Russia fired ballistic missiles, four guided missiles and 113 drones overnight; 99 were downed or jammed. One person was killed in Kyiv. Dnipro lost power after renewed strikes on its rail station, where Thursday's drone attack killed at least 15.

Energy: Brent rose about 1.5% to roughly $116 a barrel and WTI to about $103, headed for a fourth straight monthly gain.

For USL readers: no new action needed. Keep fuel topped off, expect price swings around the election, and check State Department advisories before any Middle East travel.