Iran says tankers struck in Hormuz amid fears of new US attack

Iranian forces reported multiple incidents in the Strait of Hormuz, where five oil tankers and a tugboat have caught fire. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) confirmed the attacks, stating that shipping would remain in danger as long as the United States and Israel's war against Iran continues.

Since the conflict began in late February, Tehran has severely restricted traffic through the strategic waterway, which normally handles about one-fifth of global oil consumption. The IRGC detailed several incidents, including a large oil tanker that suffered a fire after striking a mine while attempting to pass through an illegal passageway south of the strait.

Multiple Tanker Attacks

According to Iranian military statements, a supertanker was halted by a massive fire while exiting the eastern Strait of Hormuz. A tugboat that approached to help extinguish the fire also caught fire. The Iranian army later reported three additional tankers were hit by naval mines and caught fire.

Separately, the British military confirmed a tanker was struck by two projectiles off Qatar's coast, approximately 50 nautical miles north of Madinat ash-Shamal. The UK Maritime Trade Operations agency did not identify the vessel or its flag, and no immediate claim of responsibility was made.

Regional Escalation

Attacks on tankers in the Gulf remain near record levels, with UKMTO reporting it struggles to accurately document incidents as most ships now refuse to report them. Last week, a Qatari LNG carrier was hit by unidentified objects while sailing in the Gulf, though no crew members were injured and there was no environmental impact.

Qatar has increased mediation efforts to resume talks on ending the war, with both sides reviewing proposals put forward by mediators. However, unnamed Pentagon officials told The New York Times that thousands of US air and naval forces are prepared to resume major combat operations against Iran on President Trump's orders.

Iranian Response

Iranian leaders have warned of repercussions if the US or Israel pursue further military action. Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei emphasized there should be 'even the slightest inclination towards submission' to the US, which he said would remain hostile regardless of which party is in power.

IRGC Ground Force commander Brigadier General Mohammad Karami stated that continued hostile actions by Iran's enemies would lead to 'further Iranian victories and greater national pride,' while accelerating the expulsion of foreign powers from the region and the collapse of Israel.