Hormuz Tanker Attack Rocks Region Amid Tensions with US
Iran received the US's latest ceasefire counterproposal, but just hours later, three tankers were hit by unknown projectiles in the Strait of Hormuz. The UK Maritime Trade Operations Centre reported that an oil tanker, an LNG tanker, and a third vessel were targeted.
The attack comes as tensions between Iran and the US remain high, with neither side willing to make significant concessions. Qatari mediators have been trying to broker a deal, but so far, there has been little progress.
US officials believe that President Donald Trump will likely order a return to hostilities after the midterms, according to Axios. Trump rejected a report claiming he had offered sanctions relief in exchange for nuclear concessions, calling it a 'HOAX'.
Oil prices are rising as a result of the tensions, with Brent crude up 1.71% to $97.80 and West Texas Intermediate up 1.39% to $90.62.