Iranian forces reported multiple incidents involving oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns about escalating tensions in the region. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) stated that a large oil tanker caught fire after striking a mine, while another supertanker and a tugboat were also damaged by fires. The Iranian army later confirmed that three additional tankers were hit by naval mines and caught fire in the eastern part of the strait.
Separately, the British military reported that a tanker was struck by two projectiles off Qatar’s coast, though no responsibility was claimed. This follows an earlier incident where a Qatari tanker, the Al Mayeda, was hit by unidentified objects. The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency noted that attacks on tankers in the Gulf are near record levels, with many ships refusing to report incidents.
Qatar has been mediating efforts to resume talks aimed at ending the conflict, with both sides reviewing proposals. However, Pentagon officials indicated that US forces are prepared to resume major combat operations against Iran on President Donald Trump’s orders. Iranian leaders, including Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, have warned of repercussions if further military action is taken, emphasizing that US hostility towards Iran will persist regardless of political changes.