Seven oil tankers have reportedly been struck and sustained damage in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, marking the largest single-day toll for the vital waterway since the outbreak of the conflict involving Iran in late February. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) stated that four of the vessels were targeted while transferring oil and subsequently caught fire, while another three were disabled after allegedly hitting mines. These claims remain unverified by independent sources, and official reports have omitted details regarding potential casualties or the vessels' registry flags.

The IRGC further warned that it could extend military actions to US bases across the Middle East if Washington continues or expands operations to escort tankers through the strait. Tehran asserts control over the shipping lane, through which a significant portion of global oil previously flowed, and regularly targets unauthorized vessels. Conversely, the US regime has been increasing naval escorts, prompting a more aggressive response from Iranian forces.

US President Donald Trump purportedly claimed on social media that Iran is attempting to drive up oil prices ahead of the US Midterm Elections. He alleged that the reports of mines and attacks are fabricated, pointing to high transit volumes. Meanwhile, a US Central Command spokesperson dismissed the mine allegations as incorrect, claiming that international lanes have been cleared and attributing the attacks to Iranian missiles and drones driven by desperation under the US blockade.

Source: www.aljazeera.com