Iran puts army on highest alert as Hormuz tanker strikes mount
Iran's Army Ground Forces commander ordered units onto the highest level of readiness on October 23, Hamshahri Online reported, as Tehran braces for renewed US strikes. On the same day, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it had stopped all "violating" tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, and a source close to its navy told Tasnim News that three tankers were hit on October 22 and a fourth "violating" tanker was destroyed overnight. US Central Command disputed the mine claims and said 95% of vessels were still getting through, while Brent crude traded near $115 per barrel on October 23.
Why it matters: The standoff threatens energy security by disrupting a strait that normally carries about a fifth of global oil supply.