Iran steps up Hormuz surveillance: Attacks soar, oil flows crash again

What happened: Iran's military said it deployed new units to expand surveillance of the Strait of Hormuz and warned vessels not to switch off transponders, as attacks on ships in the waterway surged. Key numbers: 10 tankers struck September 28 to October 4, plus one on October 5; UKMTO recorded 15 attacks October 6 to 14. Why it matters: A University of York political scientist said the attacks show the strait's fragility as a key oil export pathway. An Iranian official said Tehran changed attack tactics about 10 days ago, partly to influence the US November midterm elections. Coverage: 3 outlets in 24h

Iran's military said it deployed new units to expand surveillance of the Strait of Hormuz and warned vessels not to switch off transponders, as attacks on ships in the waterway surged.

A University of York political scientist said the attacks show the strait's fragility as a key oil export pathway. An Iranian official said Tehran changed attack tactics about 10 days ago, partly to influence the US November midterm elections.