Daily Summary of World · Final editionThursday 29 October 2026 · UTC
World News: 29 October 2026
Iran says tankers hit Hormuz mines; Houthi missiles fired at Riyadh; Spain mourns
Iran's armed forces said four tankers caught fire after hitting mines in the Strait of Hormuz, a day after the US military said it had cleared key routes. Tehran confirmed it had received a letter from US Vice President JD Vance but said progress depends on its seven conditions, and Saudi Arabia said it shot down two Houthi ballistic missiles aimed at Riyadh.
Israeli strikes continued across Gaza, and Spain began three days of national mourning as the death toll from Wednesday's high-speed train collision rose to at least 69.
Israeli strikes continue across Gaza as toll from al-Mawasi attack rises to four
Gaza's government media office said the death toll from an Israeli strike on an Economy Ministry post in al-Mawasi, west of Rafah, rose to four employees, with 30 wounded. On Thursday an Israeli drone strike on a car in Maghazi refugee camp killed two people, and shelling was reported in eastern Gaza City neighbourhoods.
Gaza's Health Ministry called for the Rafah crossing to be opened so sick and wounded Palestinians can leave for treatment, as strikes continue despite the ceasefire that took effect on 10 October 2025.
Spain begins national mourning as train crash toll rises to at least 69
A Castilla-La Mancha regional spokesperson said at least 69 people were killed when a Renfe train hit a stationary Iryo train near Urda on the Madrid-Seville high-speed line on Wednesday, with the toll expected to rise. Transport Minister Oscar Puente blamed an inexplicable order by the rail control centre to let trains resume without speed limits after a computer failure.
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez declared three days of national mourning starting Thursday. It is Spain's second deadly high-speed rail crash this year and the deadliest European rail accident since 2013.
Iran says four tankers caught fire after hitting mines in Strait of Hormuz
Iran's Revolutionary Guards said three oil tankers exploded and caught fire after striking mines on what Tehran calls an unauthorised southern route through the strait, alleging the ships had switched off radar and ignored warnings; Iran's army later said a fourth tanker was disabled by mines east of the strait. The ships were not identified, and the timing and extent of damage were unclear.
The claims came a day after the US military said it had cleared key routes, while UKMTO separately reported a dhow that caught fire and sank north of Khasab, Oman, with its crew evacuated. The strait carried roughly a fifth of global oil and gas consumption before the war, and Iran has restricted traffic since the conflict began on 28 February.
Tehran confirms receiving Vance letter as Iran sets seven conditions for talks
Iranian agencies Tasnim and Fars reported that Tehran had received a letter from US Vice President JD Vance but had not yet replied, amid efforts to revive US-Iran peace talks. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said progress depends on acceptance of Iran's seven conditions, which he said had been clearly communicated to mediators.
Gulf News reported that the US and Israel are preparing a possible week-long bombing campaign after the 3 November US midterm elections, while Qatar leads a last-ditch push for a deal and Saudi Arabia has reportedly urged Washington to give negotiations more time.
Saudi Arabia intercepts two Houthi ballistic missiles fired at Riyadh
The Saudi-led coalition said its air defences destroyed two ballistic missiles launched by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis towards Riyadh, after AFP correspondents heard explosions in the capital. Early warnings were issued for Riyadh, Al Kharj and Najran before authorities declared the danger had passed.
Canada separately advised its citizens to avoid King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, citing ongoing military activity in the region.
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