Hot News Recap: Iranian merchant ship attacked in the Strait of Hormuz, resulting in 1 death and 3 injuries; US claims to have redirected the course of a hundred vessels

1. Iranian authorities have confirmed that early Sunday morning, an Iranian merchant ship was attacked in the Strait of Hormuz, resulting in one death and three injuries. Qeshm Province Governor Teymouri stated that the attack occurred around 5 a.m. in the waters near Hengam Island and Qeshm Island, though he did not specify the source of the attack. According to reports, multiple explosions occurred overnight near Qeshm Island, the largest island in the Strait of Hormuz.2. The UK Maritime Trade Operations Office reported on the same day that a vessel traversing the Strait of Hormuz was attacked by an unidentified flying object, but there is no information yet regarding crew status, vessel damage, or environmental impact. This incident occurred ahead of a meeting scheduled for Monday in Oman between Iran and Gulf countries, aiming to discuss the temporary secure commercial passage in the Strait of Hormuz.3. Control of this strategic passage is at the heart of the US-Iran conflict. On February 28, after being attacked by the US and Israel, Iran blocked the strait in retaliation; before the conflict, the waterway was freely navigable. Iran now requires vessels to obtain its authorization prior to transit, citing safety and sovereignty reasons, and is considering charging a service fee. Ships failing to comply often become targets of attack. In response, the United States has blockaded Iranian ports and regularly shells its coastline.4. The US Central Command stated on Saturday that since resuming strict blockade measures against Iran, it has diverted 100 merchant ships in the past 60 days, declaring that "without US military authorization, no vessel can pass through the blockade line." The US emphasized its forces remain fully committed to this mission. In the first round of the blockade from April 13 to June 18, the US military intercepted over 140 vessels, detained 9 non-compliant ships, and allowed more than 50 merchant ships carrying humanitarian aid to pass through.5. On August 30, another skirmish erupted between the US and Iran, pushing WTI crude oil to close above $100.50 per barrel this week. Prior to the conflict, 20% of the world's crude oil passed through the Strait of Hormuz. On Saturday in Ireland, Trump stated that the Iran war would end "shortly after the midterm elections." The US midterm elections will be held on November 3, after which "oil prices will quickly fall."