Iran claims two more tankers hit Hormuz mines · Russia keeps hitting Ukraine's grid · Champi narrowly spares Guam

Risk stays high into Sunday, Oct 18. Iran's Revolutionary Guard says two more supertankers struck mines and burned in the Strait of Hormuz, which Washington denies, while Russia kept hitting Ukraine's power grid despite the announced energy ceasefire. Super Typhoon Champi passed just south of Guam without a direct hit.

Middle East: The IRGC navy said two tankers, each reportedly carrying about 2 million barrels of crude, exploded after entering a minefield south of the strait on Saturday, and that it stopped four more ships with missiles and drones. U.S. Central Command called the claim false; the ships were not named and the incidents have not been independently verified. Iran says Hormuz is closed to unauthorized traffic, while the U.S. says it remains open.

Ukraine/Russia: Zelenskyy said Russia has struck Ukraine's energy, oil, and gas sectors 76 times since the U.S.-announced energy ceasefire a week ago, with overnight hits on substations in the Vinnytsia, Zhytomyr, Khmelnytskyi, and Odesa regions; about 24,000 customers lost power in Odesa region alone. Ukraine in turn hit oil facilities around St. Petersburg, and Moscow said 512 drones headed toward the capital region overnight.

Saudi Arabia/Yemen: The Saudi-led coalition said early Sunday it intercepted two ballistic missiles aimed at Khamis Mushayt and a drone near Riyadh, after four drones were downed Saturday and two missile launchers were destroyed in Saada. Residents received civil defense phone alerts overnight.

Energy/Pacific/U.S.: Brent ended the week near $110, its highest since May, and markets reopen Sunday evening with the new mine claims in play. Champi reached super typhoon strength as its eye passed about 10 miles south of Guam; the island avoided a system-wide blackout, though about half of power circuits were out and southern Guam took the worst damage. At home, the FBI and Postal Inspection Service are investigating dozens of white-powder letters sent to election offices and Congress wee