Iran says seven ships hit in Hormuz Strait, warns US of wider response

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claims seven oil tankers were struck and damaged in the Strait of Hormuz, with four catching fire and three disabled by mines. The IRGC warned of a wider response, including strikes on US bases in the Middle East, if the US continues to help tankers transit the strait. The US has dismissed these claims, calling them an attempt to increase oil prices ahead of US elections and stating that Iran is using missiles and drones, not mines. A US Central Command spokesperson asserted that international shipping lanes are clear of mines and that 95 percent of vessels are successfully navigating the strait. The article notes that Iran claims control over the strait and has been stepping up attacks as the US escorts more vessels.

Oil prices surged to a five-month high of $112 a barrel on Thursday, with Brent crude rising 3%, due to attacks threatening global supply. Yemeni Houthis, aligned with Iran, targeted Saudi Arabia, killing two in Dammam and two in a drone attack on an oilfield. The Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) reported hitting four vessels in the northern Gulf and three colliding with mines west of the Strait of Hormuz. In response to the escalating regional conflict, the US is evacuating some diplomats and their families from Saudi Arabia and other Middle East missions, while Saudi Aramco has instructed staff to work remotely. Global stock markets reacted negatively, with major indices in Europe and Asia falling amid concerns over inflation and borrowing costs.