Iran says 7 ships have been struck in Strait of Hormuz, Saudis intercept drones in airspace

Iran asserted on Thursday that seven oil tankers caught fire or suffered damage overnight in the Strait of Hormuz, following possible strikes by its forces or naval mines. This development has raised concerns about the possibility of a renewed large-scale war in the region, particularly as Israel prepares for its close elections and the US gears up for its mid-term elections.

The incidents have intensified fears that the US and Israel might resume military actions against Iran. Iran's Revolutionary Guards threatened US military bases in the region, warning that continued naval escort operations through the strait would result in more severe responses. Tehran has not disclosed any casualties.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) had not reported the alleged attacks, but recent maritime monitors have noted that some shipping companies are hesitant to report such incidents. Iran maintains control over the strategic waterway, which remains a crucial element in any negotiations with Washington over the conflict.

Iran's top diplomat, Abbas Araghchi, stated on Wednesday that Tehran remains open to diplomatic negotiations while retaining its readiness for military defense. Iran has previously warned that the conflict's lessons have been learned militarily. In recent days, Tehran has indicated that it could expand its list of potential targets to include critical infrastructure, such as undersea cables and data centers.

The US is bolstering its military presence in the Middle East by deploying additional forces, including a third aircraft carrier and thousands of troops, joining the largest concentration of American warships and aircraft in the region in decades. Iran, however, will not accept any threats from the US, according to Foreign Minister Araghchi.

US President Donald Trump recently rejected Iran's latest seven-day proposal for ending the war and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, but both countries acknowledge that indirect diplomatic discussions are ongoing. Since Washington rejected the proposal, reported attacks on vessels traveling through the Strait of Hormuz have increased.