Iran says 7 oil tankers attacked in the Strait of Hormuz as fears grow of a return to war

Iran’s government said seven oil tankers were attacked in the Strait of Hormuz overnight, with Tehran alleging ships caught fire or were damaged after being hit by Iranian forces or striking naval mines.

According to AP reporting, Iranian state television attributed the incidents to the Revolutionary Guard Corps navy and reiterated threats directed at U.S. support for shipping through the strait. AP also reported that it could not independently confirm the Iranian claims.

AP linked the incident to wider anxiety about a return to all-out war, pointing to the timing of Israel’s election cycle and the possibility of renewed U.S.-Israeli action against Iran. AP also noted the political pressure tied to Israel’s Oct. 27 election and the U.S. midterm election timeline.

On maritime monitoring, AP reported that the U.K.-run UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) did not report the latest attacks, while a British military monitor previously said October has seen the most reported commercial-shipping incidents since March. AP added that some tankers continued moving under U.S. military protection, including a “dark shuttle” approach described in the report, and that shipping operators have been managing risk through routing and operational changes.

The United Nations also weighed in through a call for de-escalation and diplomacy, with AP reporting that UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said no commercial ships should be attacked and urged efforts to reopen the waterway. AP further reported that experts say oil producers have found ways to keep crude flowing, though at rising cost.