Two oil tankers burn in Strait of Hormuz after hitting mines; explosions reported on Qeshm
IRGC naval forces say two tankers burned after striking mines; overnight blasts were recorded on Qeshm island.
Two oil tankers caught fire in the Strait of Hormuz after striking mines, the naval arm of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said, following a series of explosions that were recorded overnight in several areas of southern Iran, including Qeshm island.
The IRGC said the tankers ignited early this morning while attempting to pass along what it described as an "unauthorized route." It added that it is not yet known whether the tanker incidents are directly linked to the explosions reported the previous night.
Conflicting accounts and state statements
Iranian state television suggested the blasts may be connected to Tehran's military activity in the strategic waterway, while stressing that authorities have not confirmed rocket strikes on the affected areas. The semi-official Tasnim news agency quoted a source saying the explosions on Qeshm were not related to rocket attacks; earlier reports by the same agency had said two rockets hit the island but without official information on any damage.
The Strait of Hormuz has been a frequent target for attacks on commercial vessels since the outbreak of war between the United States and Iran in February. Tehran has said it strikes ships it deems in violation of navigation restrictions in efforts to tighten control over the waterway and to pressure Washington.
The new reports of explosions come days after US strikes on Qeshm island that a US official described as limited and not a resumption of large-scale operations. US forces also said they struck a commercial ship that tried to breach the US blockade of Iran; US Central Command said an American aircraft fired at the vessel's stern and disabled it.
Countries in the region expect US President Donald Trump could renew attacks on Iran after the US congressional elections, while Tehran has repeatedly warned it would respond to new assaults with strikes on US and Israeli targets in neighboring states.
Photo: press material from the event
