Three tankers hit by mines in Strait of Hormuz

Three oil tankers caught fire in the Strait of Hormuz on Friday after striking naval mines, according to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard. The vessels were traveling through routes that Tehran does not recognize as authorized. One of the ships, identified as a supertanker, carried more than 2 million barrels of oil. The Guard stated that the vessel struck a mine, exploded, and is currently abandoned at the strait's entrance while still burning.

The incident marks the third tanker fire in a single day. Earlier reports from the Guard's navy indicated that two other tankers also struck mines after turning off their navigation systems. The navy claimed these vessels ignored radio warnings and attempted to leave with U.S. military support. Iran has asserted control over the waterway since the war began on Feb. 28. The U.S. military disputes the mine claims, stating that primary transit routes have been cleared of sea mines.

A separate incident occurred nearby when a small boat attached explosive devices to a tanker's hull. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations reported that the blasts damaged the engine room but left the crew safe. The fire was extinguished, and the vessel continued its journey. The ship was located 25 nautical miles northeast of Khasab, Oman. Oman's Maritime Security Center also reported evacuating 25 crew members from a Panama-flagged tanker that caught fire 1.6 nautical miles off Musandam Governorate.

Meanwhile, the Saudi-led coalition intercepted a drone launched by Yemen's Houthi rebels near Mecca. Maj. Gen. Turki al-Malki, a coalition spokesperson, confirmed the drone was destroyed in the region surrounding the holy city. Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree denied targeting Mecca, stating that the group aims at Saudi oil facilities and military bases instead. This follows previous reports of interceptions near both Mecca and Medina.

The United Nations reported that over 281,000 people have been displaced in Yemen between Aug. 1 and Oct. 25. The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs documented 263 civilian casualties in the same period, including 67 deaths. Children accounted for 97 of those casualties. The agency noted that displacement from Lahj province in mid-October indicates the crisis is spreading.

Diplomatic efforts continue as Qatari mediators returned to Tehran on Friday. The delegation, led by Qatar's foreign minister, is meeting with senior Iranian officials. This visit follows a letter sent by U.S. Vice President JD Vance to Iran's Supreme National Security Council secretary. President Donald Trump suggested the letter concerned humanitarian aid rather than peace negotiations. Diplomats report that U.S. officials have advised regional allies to prepare for potential renewed military action after next week's U.S. midterm elections.

In Sudan, four drones from the Rapid Support Forces struck Shendi overnight. The attack hit military positions and an electrical substation, causing a citywide power outage. The substation's transformers were destroyed, taking the facility out of service. The conflict, which began in April 2023, continues to strain local infrastructure and water operations.