Iranian forces claim tanker attacks in Strait of Hormuz

Iranian armed forces announced on Thursday that four oil tankers had caught fire after hitting mines in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil trade. The incidents occurred in a region where tensions have been high due to ongoing disputes between Iran and the United States.

U.S. asserts area is demined

The United States has claimed that it has largely cleared the area of mines in the Strait of Hormuz. However, Iran has contested this, accusing the U.S. of making unverified statements about the demining efforts. This disagreement highlights the ongoing conflict between the two nations over control of the strategic waterway.

UKMTO reports attacks on ships

The British maritime agency UKMTO reported two attacks on ships in the strait but could not confirm if these were the same vessels mentioned by Iran. One attack involved a small boat attaching explosive devices to a tanker's hull, causing a fire in the engine room. The fire was later extinguished, and the crew was reported safe.

Another attack by unknown projectile

UKMTO also reported that a tanker was targeted by a "projectile of unknown origin" in the same area. No injuries were reported, but the ship had "disabled its radars," suggesting an attempt to avoid detection. These incidents add to the growing concern over maritime security in the region.

Iranian forces accuse ships of violating rules

The Iranian Revolutionary Guards claimed that three ships had exploded after hitting mines while using an unauthorized route in the southern part of the strait. They stated that the vessels had disabled their radars and navigation systems and ignored warnings. The Guards also mentioned seizing an American reconnaissance drone in the area.

Iran confirms another tanker hit

The Iranian army later confirmed that another oil tanker had been hit after entering a restricted and dangerous area. The ship caught fire after hitting naval mines, according to a statement broadcast by state television. Details about the ship's origin or cargo were not provided.

UKMTO reports sinking of a dhow

UKMTO reported that a boat sank in the Strait of Hormuz near the coast of Oman. According to regional authorities, the boat was a dhow, a traditional Gulf vessel, involved in a maritime security incident that triggered a major fire. The crew was safely evacuated.

Strait of Hormuz is a strategic waterway

The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow passage about thirty kilometers wide, bordered by Iran to the north and Oman to the south. It is a crucial route for global oil trade, with one-fifth of the world's hydrocarbons passing through before the war triggered by Israeli-American strikes against Iran in February. Iran asserts control over this strategic waterway.

U.S. and Iran clash over control of the strait

The U.S. has imposed a blockade on Iranian ports and escorts oil tankers through the strait to bypass Iranian restrictions. The U.S. Central Command for the Middle East (Centcom) stated that it has helped Gulf countries export 1.5 billion barrels of oil since summer. However, Iran has criticized these efforts, demanding independent evidence to support U.S. claims of demining the strait.