Iran says 7 ships struck in Strait of Hormuz; Saudis intercept drones

Seven oil tankers were struck or damaged in the Strait of Hormuz overnight, Iran said Thursday, citing hits by its forces or naval mines, as regional tensions escalate over potential all-out war. Iranian state television, citing the Revolutionary Guard navy, reported the attacks, which the Associated Press could not independently confirm. The Guard again threatened U.S. military bases if Washington continues guiding commercial ships through the strait, with no casualty details given. The incidents follow U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran since Feb. 28, with October seeing the most shipping attacks since March. Saudi Arabia intercepted drones over Riyadh and Medina, while Houthi attacks pressured the kingdom, prompting U.S. diplomat departures and Aramco evacuations.