US and Iran both claim control of Strait of Hormuz amid attacks on vessels

At least 12 vessels were attacked in or near the Strait of Hormuz during the week ending October 16, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations, which said the true number is likely higher because many crews do not report incidents. Of the confirmed attacks, six vessels continued to their destinations or reached port, one sank, two were disabled, and three were damaged or had uncertain outcomes. On Saturday, a tanker was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade fired from a small boat about 144km northeast of Jubail, Saudi Arabia. The United States has recently increased energy transits through the region using a shuttle system coordinated with Arab powers, as Washington and Tehran compete to assert authority over the waterway.