Update(1233ET): On Friday there are reports of another foreign tanker which has been struck and damaged in the Strait of Hormuz. Several similar drone attacks have occurred this week, and over the last few days - however unlike with prior attacks these latest are not being heavily featured in the media, and have also made surprising little impact on oil prices.
New UKMTO alert: Another tanker struck and damaged.
— Chris Shipping 🚢🚢 (@christankerfund) October 2, 2026
6th alert in last couple of days pic.twitter.com/CTMHttKNET
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The US has deployed two additional Patriot missile batteries to Saudi Arabia and Qatar to protect energy infrastructure from aerial threats, according to a new report, reinforcing the urgent need to defend allied energy infrastructure ahead of potential renewed strikes on Iran. The report came before Thursday's news that the Department of War is sending a third aircraft carrier strike group and additional Marine Corps ships to the region.
Axios reported late Thursday that one Patriot battery was sent last month to protect a key Saudi oil facility, while another was deployed to defend a natural gas plant in Qatar.
"The U.S. military transferre