Eight Marines Hurt in Undisclosed Iranian Missile Strike Near Hormuz

A story the Pentagon had not announced came out this weekend. According to NBC News, eight U.S. Marines were injured on September 14 when an Iranian anti-ship cruise missile hit a vessel they were operating on in the Strait of Hormuz. Three officials said the injuries were not serious: smoke inhalation and possible mild brain injuries, with concussion-like symptoms such as headaches. Seven were enlisted, one was an officer, and all returned to duty.

The ship, officials said, was not a U.S. Navy vessel, and they declined to say more. The attack was not publicly disclosed, and the Pentagon's casualty database later added eight Marines and 29 sailors without explanation, bringing the war's wounded total to 861. Critics say the military has not been fully open about casualties, which the department disputes. Meanwhile, Iran boasts that its attacks have pushed U.S. warships farther from its coast. Treat both claims carefully.

Oil Jumps After Trump Turns Down Iran's Strait of Hormuz Offer

Oil traders had a rough start to the week. Over the weekend, President Trump rejected Iran's proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and restart nuclear talks within seven days. Tehran wanted the United States to lift its naval blockade of Iranian ports, ease limits on oil sales and observe a ceasefire that would include Lebanon. Trump called the terms unacceptable and argued Iran is eager for a deal because money is running short.

Markets reacted fast. Brent crude climbed above $107 a barrel in Asian trading on Monday, up more than 2.5 percent, while U.S. crude rose to about $94. The war between the United States, Israel and Iran is now roughly seven months old, and it keeps squeezing one of the busiest energy routes on Earth. Trump hinted talks could continue, so nothing is fully closed. For ordinary people, the worry is simple: higher fuel and shipping costs.