Iran reports attacks on 7 oil tankers in Strait of Hormuz

Seven oil tankers were attacked or damaged in the Strait of Hormuz overnight, Iran said Thursday, marking a sharp escalation as fears grow of a return to all-out war in the region. Tehran reported the vessels were hit by Iran or struck naval mines, though the claim could not be independently confirmed. The incident comes days before Israel's election and next month's U.S. midterms, with analysts warning a Netanyahu victory could trigger an attack on Iran. Oil tankers continue moving through the strait under U.S. protection despite 28 attacks in October, the highest since the war began. The U.N. urged diplomacy to reopen the waterway, while the U.S. has deployed additional military assets to the region.