Iran says two tankers hit mines in Strait of Hormuz

Iran's Revolutionary Guards said in a statement carried by state media that two oil tankers hit mines and caught fire in and near the Strait of Hormuz, a day after Tehran claimed five other tankers had met similar fates.

"Two violating oil tankers — one east of the Strait of Hormuz and the other within the Strait itself — that attempted to transit via an unauthorized route struck mines," Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said in a statement carried by state TV and the semi-official Tasnim news agency.

"These two tankers had deactivated all their navigation and identification systems. Supported by the aggressive and terrorist U.S. military, they attempted to exit the Strait of Hormuz via an unauthorized path; however, upon striking mines, they caught fire and were immobilized," the statement added.

There has, however, been no confirmation of any of these incidents from maritime officials.

Other regional developments

The Saudi-led coalition said its air defense systems intercepted and destroyed two ballistic missiles launched by Houthi rebels toward Najran, a major city in southwestern Saudi Arabia. "Debris fell as a result of the interception, and damage assessment is underway," the statement said.

Iranian state media reported explosions on Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, according to IRNA.

Why it matters

The Strait of Hormuz normally carries oil that amounts to one-fifth of global consumption. Since the outbreak of the Middle East war on Feb. 28, Tehran has sought to limit traffic through the strategic waterway, while the U.S. has imposed a blockade on Iranian ports and escorted tankers through the strait.

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Sources

• cbsnews.com: More ships attacked in Persian Gulf, oil prices rebound slightly after post-midterm plunge
• timesofisrael.com: Iranian state media reports explosions on island in Strait of Hormuz | The Times of Israel

This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.