Tanker fires continue in Strait of Hormuz despite ceasefire hopes

Despite hopes for de-escalation, new evidence shows tanker attacks in the Strait of Hormuz and energy infrastructure strikes. Oil prices fell to two-month lows. Iran's Revolutionary Guard Navy said it targeted three tankers on Sunday. US Central Command disabled a cargo ship leaving Iranian waters. Oil spills reached Omani beaches.

Despite market bets on easing tensions in the Iran war, new evidence emerged of attacks on tankers in the Strait of Hormuz and energy infrastructure in the Middle East. Oil prices fell Tuesday to a two-month low after US officials downplayed the need for further military action against Iran, and analysts noted a more conciliatory tone from President Trump since the Republican defeat in the midterm elections. Data from the Washington Institute for Near East Policy showed no signs of a decline in attacks in November, after 37 ships were targeted in October, the highest monthly number. Video footage published Sunday and verified by Reuters showed a Navi8 company tanker ablaze off the coast of Oman, and a European satellite image showed a black smoke cloud at the same location. Iran's state news agency quoted the Revolutionary Guard navy as saying the tanker was one of three targeted Sunday for using unauthorized routes. US Central Command said a military aircraft fired on a St. Kitts-flagged cargo ship and disabled it after it attempted to leave territorial waters following docking at an Iranian port Saturday. The attacks caused environmental damage as an oil spill reached Omani shores. Houthis targeted Aramco offices in Riyadh on November 8, and Saudi Energy Ministry confirmed limited damage with no casualties. The International Maritime Organization confirmed 130 incidents since February with at least 25 sailors killed.