Red Sea

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.

Egypt’s House of Representatives approved a measure allowing President Abdel Fattah al‑Sisi to provide military assistance to Saudi Arabia if requested, with at least two‑thirds of members supporting the vote. The approval follows secret parliamentary sessions and a postponed vote, and it permits coordination with Riyadh to protect Saudi territory, sovereignty and holy sites. President al‑Sisi said any Egyptian role would be limited to defending Saudi borders and would not involve attacks on Yemen. The Social Democratic Party abstained, while the Houthi‑run parliament warned the move threatens Egypt’s security.

A fire near the Ras Tanura refinery in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province was contained, Bloomberg News reports, citing a person familiar with the matter. The Houthi movement says it struck the refinery with a ballistic missile on 27 Oct, a claim Saudi authorities have not confirmed. Saudi-led coalition forces say they shot down three Houthi missiles aimed at the Eastern Province and intercepted two ballistic missiles fired at Riyadh, where shrapnel damaged a building, a construction project and a car. The refinery handles 550,000 barrels per day. Damage details remain unclear.