Iran blocks Strait of Hormuz as tankers catch fire and US tightens blockade

Iran said smoke from three naval mine explosions was blanketing the skies over the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday, as Tehran intensified threats to shipping. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps reported that three ships were burning in the strait after trying to evade Iran's blockade early on Sunday.

The UAE National Guard rescued 22 people from a burning cargo ship in the Gulf of Oman. The UK's Maritime Trade Operations reported a second vessel on fire and a third being struck near the strait.

“If there are still those who entertain even the slightest hope that the hegemonic system may change its behavior or that shifts in its political parties and factions may bring about a change, or if there are people who imagine that by making concessions to the US, they can persuade it to abandon its hostility toward th”

Iran said the strait will not reopen until the United States makes concessions in negotiations. The United States is tightening its own blockade of Iran, with a Central Command team known as Task Force Iron Gate assigned to stop Tehran from receiving goods or revenue over its land borders.

Traffic in the Strait of Hormuz stands at about 20 percent of its prewar level, according to Lloyd's List Intelligence. Most ships are choosing not to run the risk of crossing the waterway.

Reports of mine explosions have been announced by the IRGC and Iranian navy almost daily since mid-October, sometimes accompanied by grainy footage of burning ships. Few of the mine incidents have been confirmed by the UK Maritime Trade Operations monitor or other sources.

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei said the results of the US midterm elections will not alter Iran's defensive strategy. He warned that making concessions to the United States remains a grave miscalculation and that expecting policy shifts from Washington ignores past lessons.

The IRGC has reported at least 12 ships catching fire since the start of the month, mostly after hitting naval mines. The stand-off leaves the Gulf and its sea lanes in limbo while the United States considers new military action.