Tankers Continue to Burn in the Middle East Despite Hopes for De-escalation

(Reuters) – Despite market bets on a de-escalation in the Iran war, new evidence has emerged in recent days of strikes on tankers in the Strait of Hormuz and on energy infrastructure in the Middle East.

On Tuesday, crude prices hit two-month lows after US officials downplayed the need for additional military action against Iran, with analysts noting President Donald Trump’s more conciliatory tone since the Republicans’ defeat in the November 3 midterm elections.

However, there is little sign of attacks abating in November, after 37 ships were attacked in October, the highest monthly total since the start of the