Iran reports fires on two tankers and tugboat in Strait of Hormuz

Iran reported that two oil tankers and a tugboat caught fire in the Strait of Hormuz, as authorities tighten control over the strategic waterway. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said one large tanker struck a mine and another supertanker was immobilized by a fire, with a tugboat also igniting during rescue efforts. Iran has kept the corridor closed since the conflict began and regularly targets vessels attempting to cross without permission, while Washington enforces a blockade on Iranian ports. The Guard also claimed control of two Lucas drones in Iranian airspace, described as low-cost and modeled on Iran's Shahed drones. Brent crude fell below $100 per barrel on Wednesday following the Democrats' decisive win in US legislative elections, which analysts say could limit Trump's maneuvering room in the war against Iran. Trump acknowledged the war contributed to the Republican Party's historic defeat but said he would act again to prevent Tehran from obtaining nuclear weapons.