An official at the Italian Prime Minister's Office said Italy has no candidate to recommend for ECB president, is assessing nominations from Spain and the Netherlands, and will make a reasoned choice.

MS NOW reports that on the day before the midterms President Trump told reporters by the White House reflection pool his remarks were unrelated to voting; the day after he briefed reporters at an active renovation in the White House state dining room. Republicans suffered what one GOP official called a near "extinction-level" defeat. Multiple current and former White House officials say staff are angry at Trump’s refusal to accept responsibility and at his focus on personal construction projects amid the loss. With two years remaining in his term some staff have begun looking for exits. Allies warn the White House faces retention and recruitment challenges and a risk that the president will be distracted from his policy agenda.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps navy public relations said two oil tankers were struck by sea mines and caught fire in the Strait of Hormuz — one in the eastern sector and one in adjacent waters. The statement said both vessels had switched off navigation and identification systems and were attempting to transit via unauthorized channels, allegedly with U.S. military support; they caught fire after hitting mines and were forced to stop. The IRGC said the Strait of Hormuz is closed and will remain so until the "seven conditions" are implemented, and accused U.S. Central Command of trying to force tankers through mined waters.