Iran says seven tankers were damaged in Hormuz; claim unconfirmed

The short version

• Iran says seven oil tankers caught fire or were damaged overnight in the Strait of Hormuz; the AP could not confirm this.[Associated Press]
• Iranian government sources say attacks on Bandar Abbas have damaged 760 fishing and commercial vessels.[The Guardian]
• Ferry operator Capt Farouq says crossings continue, though passenger numbers are down and trips are more dangerous.[The Guardian]
• Iran's foreign minister says Tehran remains open to diplomacy but is ready to defend itself.[Associated Press]

Key facts

• Capt Farouq says ferry crossings have not stopped since the US-Israeli war on Iran began on February 28, although passenger numbers are down.[The Guardian]
• Iranian government sources say attacks on the southern port of Bandar Abbas have damaged 760 fishing and commercial vessels.[The Guardian]
• Iran says seven oil tankers caught fire or were damaged in the Strait of Hormuz overnight after being hit by Iran or striking naval mines.[Associated Press]
• Iranian state television reported the tanker claims, which the AP could not independently confirm.[Associated Press]
• UKMTO did not report the latest attacks but has noted new reluctance by some shippers to report incidents.[Associated Press]
• According to UKMTO, October has had the most reported attacks on commercial shipping since March.[Associated Press]
• Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran remains open to diplomacy but is ready to defend itself.[Associated Press]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

• Troubled waters: life during wartime for Iranians on the strait of HormuzThe Guardian - World
• Iran says 7 oil tankers attacked in the Strait of Hormuz as fears grow of a return to warAssociated Press · Wire: associated-press