Ukraine's General Staff said Russian forces used the humanitarian pause to improve positions; during the ceasefire it recorded Russian troop rotations, reinforced fortifications, expanded roadside anti‑drone measures and increased logistics activity, including ammunition deliveries.

South Korea's S-OIL said strong refining margins are likely to persist even if the Russia or Middle East wars end, as repair work on refineries will continue.

At the Manama Dialogue on Nov 1, US Assistant Secretary for Near Eastern Affairs Donald Blome said Washington has extended an offer to negotiate with Iran but is prepared to pursue other responses and is consulting regional allies. UAE foreign policy adviser Anwar Gargash said Gulf states prefer a diplomatic, political solution, warned the region is being drawn into the conflict, and said US and Iranian positions remain far apart; he urged a diplomatic breakthrough and warned failure to bridge positions could produce worst-case outcomes.