Iranian mines have hit three oil tankers and a tugboat in the Strait of Hormuz, causing fires on the vessels.
What happened
According to Iranian media, the ships were using unauthorized routes through the waterway, as claimed by the IRGC. The incident has led to a surge in oil prices, with Brent crude rising towards $97 per barrel.
The ongoing Iranian pressure on shipping has sparked international concern, with South Korea announcing the deployment of ships to facilitate freedom of passage in the Hormuz. However, South Korea has ruled out the use of troops.
In a related development, Iranian officials have taken credit for the Republican Party's midterm losses, with the speaker of Iran's Parliament, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, taunting US Vice President J.D. Vance on social media.
