Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps

Iran says three additional oil tankers were damaged in the Strait of Hormuz on 5 Nov, adding to earlier losses that include four tankers destroyed by mines and several vessels seized. The incidents come as the UK maritime agency notes at least five vessels have reported problems since 1 Nov, matching October's record of 35 hits. Oil prices have fallen more than $20 per barrel from the previous week, while Iran continues to down US-made drones and detain ships, and Qatar mediates between the United States and Tehran over the naval blockade.

United States forces carried out limited strikes on Iranian targets on Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz on 2 Nov, according to U.S. officials, who describe them as defensive and aimed at curbing further Iranian attacks in the waterway. Iranian state media IRNA reported explosions on the island. The U.S. Central Command has not publicly announced the strikes, and officials say they do not signal a return to major combat. Qatar has intensified mediation, with Qatari mediators travelling to Tehran, while a senior Iranian official says the two sides remain far apart on a deal to end the war.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards Navy says four oil tankers caught fire after striking mines in the Strait of Hormuz, with a fourth tanker hit later on Friday, 30 Oct. The Guards say the ships used unauthorized routes and ignored warnings; one tanker carried more than 2 million barrels of crude. UK Maritime Trade Operations separately reported a tanker struck by a projectile about 40 nautical miles south of Lavan Island, with its crew safe. Reuters could not verify Iran's statements, and the US military did not immediately confirm them.