Iran claims two more supertankers hit mines in Hormuz · Brent closes at six-month high · Russia sends 126 drones at Ukraine

Risk stays high into Saturday, Oct 24. Iran keeps claiming tanker hits in the Strait of Hormuz, the Houthi-Saudi fight is now a daily exchange of missiles and airstrikes, and oil ended the week at its highest close since April.

Middle East: Iran's Revolutionary Guard Navy says two supertankers carrying more than 4.5 million barrels struck mines on what it calls an unauthorized southern route through Hormuz and were abandoned by their crews. The claim has not been independently verified, and U.S. Central Command says the international lanes are clear of mines. What is confirmed: UK maritime monitors (UKMTO) report a tanker struck by a projectile about 7 nautical miles off Limah, Oman, on Thursday, which kept sailing, and they count 119 vessels damaged this year. The UAE has closed the Umm Al Quwain beaches as an oil slick comes ashore. President Trump said Friday the U.S. is not negotiating with Iran and that action could come "fairly soon," without naming a target or timetable.

Saudi Arabia/Yemen: The Saudi-led coalition says it shot down ballistic missiles aimed at Riyadh and Khamis Mushait and drones heading for the south on Friday, after nine drones over the Eastern Region, Riyadh and Medina on Thursday. Houthi-run media report Saudi airstrikes near Sanaa and in Saada, Hodeidah and Taiz, including a strike it says killed three people; that has not been verified. Aramco's Dhahran headquarters remains evacuated, and U.S. non-emergency government staff are still under orders to leave the kingdom.

Ukraine/Russia: Russia launched 126 drones overnight, 61 of them jet-powered Shaheds, with hits at 14 locations. Two people were hurt when a house was hit in Kyiv's Obolonskyi district, and a drone struck Kharkiv. Moscow and Kyiv confirmed a small local ceasefire in the occupied town of Oleshky, while both sides kept up long-range strikes.

Energy/U.S.: Brent settled Friday at $116.72, up 6% on the week and its highest close since April 29; WTI closed at $103.27. The Nat