Updates on tensions in the Middle East as of Thursday (08 October)

As per latest reports, the updates on tensions in the Middle East as of Thursday (08 October) are as follows:

• Qatar and Strait of Hormuz: On Wednesday (07 October), a tanker sailing approximately 59 miles off Madinat ash Shamal, Qatar, reported being struck by multiple projectiles, resulting in an unspecified number of casualties, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). Authorities are investigating the incident.
• Yemen and Saudi Arabia: On Wednesday (07 October), Houthi attacks on Abha International Airport (AHB) and King Khalid International Airport (RUH) in Saudi Arabia killed three people and injured 36 others. The Houthis claimed responsibility for targeting King Khalid Airport (RUH) with a ballistic missile, reportedly disrupting air traffic.
• US: On Wednesday (07 October), US President Donald Trump stated that the war would end ‘very soon’ and predicted that oil prices would fall significantly once the conflict concludes, with Brent crude trading at approximately USD 99 per barrel.
• France and Iran: On Wednesday (07 October), France summoned Iran’s ambassador over what it described as a ‘disinformation campaign’ concerning high school protests in France, rejecting Tehran’s accusations of violent treatment of protesters and human rights violations.
• Iran, Russia, and Turkmenistan: On Wednesday (07 October), Iran announced that Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian would meet in Turkmenistan on Friday (9 October) to discuss bilateral and strategic cooperation.
• US: On Wednesday (07 October), US Secretary of State Marco Rubio claimed that Iran had ‘lost complete control’ of the Strait of Hormuz, stating that the waterway was open and oil flows had nearly returned to pre-conflict levels.

Categories: External Threats - Cross-border Attacks / Clashes