Cargo ship sinks after sea mine strike off Strait of Hormuz; Saudi strikes hit Sanaa

Iranian forces have significantly escalated maritime attacks in the Strait of Hormuz, targeting at least 18 vessels in the first 12 days of October, including a single-day high of six ships on October 13. This escalation has led to a sharp decline in Strait of Hormuz traffic and the confirmed sinking of at least one Singapore-flagged containership, with another merchant vessel also reported sunk. The attacks appear to be a deliberate tactic to influence global oil prices and exert pressure ahead of US midterm elections.