Iran Reports 3 Tankers Struck by Mines in Strait of Hormuz

Iran announced on Thursday that three oil tankers hit naval mines and exploded while trying to leave the Strait of Hormuz. The state broadcaster cited the Revolutionary Guard Corps in reporting the incidents occurred within the last 24 hours. No names of the ships or casualty counts were provided in the initial report.

According to the Iranian navy, the tankers turned off their radar and navigation systems. The vessels ignored warnings as they attempted to exit through a restricted route. The navy stated that the damaged ships were abandoned off the southern coast of the waterway. Iran maintains that ships must communicate with its authorities and follow specific routes to avoid mined areas.

A British military monitor confirmed seeing a vessel on fire while transiting the strait on Thursday. The UK Maritime Trade Operations Center said it did not know the status of the crew or the extent of the damage. It was not immediately clear if that burning ship was one of the three referenced by the Iranian military. Lloyd’s List Intelligence notes that tankers continue to move through the strait under U.S. military protection despite recent attacks.

In Israel, voters wait for final election results that could be released as early as Thursday evening. Local media projected 53 parliament seats for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s bloc. Opposition parties and Arab-led groups are projected to hold 48 and 19 seats, respectively. No side appears likely to reach the 61-seat majority needed to form a government.

Allegations of foreign interference have deepened the uncertainty surrounding the vote. The head of the Central Elections Committee asked the Shin Bet intelligence service to investigate claims of funding by foreign entities. The Shin Bet has one week to present its findings. Israeli law requires the certification of election results by Nov. 4. Netanyahu used the investigation to argue that no party should cooperate with Arab-led groups, although the request letter did not mention that issue.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said on Thursday that he is ready to resume peace talks with Israel once a new government is formed. He made the statement while visiting Cyprus.

In Yemen, the Houthi-run Health Ministry said a Saudi strike killed 12 people in the city of Taiz. Three others were critically wounded, including women and children. The ministry said the attack hit two homes belonging to the same family on Thursday. The Associated Press could not independently verify the report. The province has seen renewed fighting between Houthis and government forces in recent weeks.

A separate strike hit a paint factory in Taiz late Wednesday, according to a Houthi-run human rights body. The attack caused a large fire that could release toxic gases and contaminate nearby soil and groundwater. Yemen’s National Human Rights Authority issued the warning about the environmental risk.