Iranian Naval Mines Hit Oil Tankers in Strait of Hormuz

The Islamic Revolution Guard Corps reported that multiple oil tankers caught fire after striking naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday. The Iranian military stated the vessels were using unauthorized routes with their radar and navigation systems disabled. While one report specified two vessels, including a supertanker, another military source claimed four tankers were hit by explosions.

Iran warned shipping companies that vessels failing to coordinate with its traffic-control center face similar fates. This escalation follows a February 28 decision by Iran to bar safe passage for vessels affiliated with the United States and Israel.

President Masoud Pezeshkian accused Israel of misleading U.S. President Donald Trump to provoke a war with Iran. Simultaneously, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei warned foreign governments that providing support to U.S. operations in the region would be viewed as an act of aggression.