Iran claims that four oil tankers have hit mines in the Strait of Hormuz; meanwhile, Yemen's Houthi rebels claim to have launched missile attacks on Saudi Arabia. Tensions on these two fronts are escalating as the United States is reportedly considering resuming military operations against Tehran after Tuesday's mid-term elections.
These developments have intensified the concerns of regional officials and analysts: despite Vice President JD Vance's efforts to restart negotiations with Iran, hostilities could erupt again around the time of the vote on November 3rd.
These developments highlight the competition between the diplomatic and military approaches currently shaping this conflict, which has now entered its ninth month.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guards of Iran stated that three oil tankers caught fire after hitting mines on what they referred to as an "unauthorized southern route" near the coast of Oman. The Iranian military, however, claimed that a fourth oil tanker also caught fire on the east side of the strait.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations Agency reported that a small boat installed two explosive devices on an oil tanker about 25 nautical miles northeast of Khasab, Oman. The agency stated that the explosions caused a fire in the engine room and left the ship without power, but the crew was safe.
In addition, on Thursday, the Iranian Revolutionary Guards also questioned a statement from the US Central Command. The US side claimed that American forces had removed mines from the main shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz.
This important waterway carries about one-fifth of the world's energy supply. Since the outbreak of war at the end of February, the traffic volume has plummeted to single digits per day.
Hossein Mohabi, a spokesman for the Revolutionary Guard, said, "Please produce independent evidence that the Strait of Hormuz has been cleared of mines, not just rely on a statement. The reality of the Strait of Hormuz is determined in the air, on land, and at sea, not in social media or in the opinion warfare rooms of the United States."
Houthi forces, supported by Iran, claimed to have launched six military operations within Saudi territory, targeting airports and oil facilities. Despite senior officials from Saudi Arabia and Iran holding a rare meeting in Tehran earlier this week and agreeing to resolve regional differences through dialogue, the Houthi forces still took action.
The Saudi side has not yet confirmed these attacks, but stated that its air defense system intercepted and destroyed a Houthi drone flying towards the Mecca region.
Earlier this week, Vance submitted a letter to Mohammad Javad Rahisi, the chairman of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, through Qatari mediation, proposing a framework for negotiations.
When asked if he instructed such action, President Trump replied, "No." He stated that the letter was about Iran's need for "medical supplies and various things," and to Vance, he said, "If you want to do so, then that's also fine."
Reports suggest that the Trump administration may resume military operations in the Middle East after the mid-term elections on November 3rd.
The Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday evening, citing anonymous U.S. officials familiar with the matter, that General Brad Cooper, the top U.S. commander in the Middle East, made a rare personal visit to the White House recently to brief Trump on military options regarding Iran.
The report stated that other cabinet members were also present at this meeting, and the discussions also covered other topics such as the ongoing US sanctions.
