Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) says two oil tankers explode after hitting mines in and south of the Strait of Hormuz. Multiple outlets, citing Iranian state media and IRGC statements, report that the IRGC describes the incident as occurring while the tankers attempt to transit a “mined route” in the area. One report says a third tanker is affected by a blast and catches fire, while the other vessels turn back after the incident. Iran’s statement also links the claims to ongoing tension with the United States, saying the waterway remains unsafe or closed as long as U.S. actions continue.
Other coverage notes that the United States military disputes Iran’s account. While the Iranian narrative attributes the blasts to mines, the differing descriptions leave the cause and number of affected vessels contested. The reports come amid continued U.S.-Iran escalatory exchanges, including drones and missile strikes, according to the outlets that place the incident in a broader conflict context.
