On the 23rd, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of Iran issued a statement announcing that three oil tankers, "misled by the United States", were intercepted while attempting to lay mines along a shipping lane south of the Strait of Hormuz; one of the tankers exploded and caught fire, and the other two turned back. The statement said that the IRGC has taken control and "completely sealed off" the Strait of Hormuz. During continued "provocations" by the United States in the region, no

Spot gold has just surpassed the $4,330.00/oz mark, with the latest quote at $4,329.48/oz, down 0.49% on the day; COMEX gold futures' main contract is now quoted at $4,386.00/oz, down 0.78% on the day.

Spot platinum has just broken through the $1,710.00/ounce mark, now quoted at $1,709.73/ounce, down 0.59% on the day; Nymex main platinum futures are currently quoted at $1,717.7/ounce, down 0.84% on the day.

Spot gold has just surpassed the $4,340.00/oz mark, last trading at $4,339.85/oz, down 0.25% on the day; COMEX gold futures main contract last quoted at $4,396.00/oz, down 0.55% on the day.

Spot gold has just broken through the $4,350.00/ounce mark, last quoted at $4,349.69/ounce, down 0.03% on the day; the main COMEX gold futures contract is last quoted at $4,406.00/ounce, down 0.33% on the day.