Tanker attacked off Qatar as Iran threatens to close 'illegal' Strait of Hormuz routes

A tanker sailing off the north coast of Qatar was struck by multiple projectiles on Wednesday, causing an unspecified number of casualties, according to a British maritime security agency. This incident occurred as Iran declared it would close certain routes in the Strait of Hormuz, which it deems illegal and used to circumvent Tehran's blockade of traffic. Mohammadreza Naqdi, an adviser to the Revolutionary Guards' Commander, stated that the 'Strait of Hormuz is closed, and the armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran have full control over it.' Attacks on oil and gas tankers near the Strait of Hormuz reached their highest weekly level since the US-Iran war began in February, with at least 12 attacks reported between September 28 and October 5.