Iran Says Seven Ships Were Hit Near Hormuz

Seven vessels were reportedly caught in overnight incidents near the Persian Gulf’s main shipping route. Iran says it hit four oil-carrying ships, while three others struck mines near the Strait of Hormuz. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Navy made the claims, which have not been independently verified. The force says fires were burning on the four ships it targeted. ^1,2

The Guard says its forces struck the four ships at the same time as they transferred oil between vessels in the northern Persian Gulf. Iran called their route unauthorized and said it had warned the shipping companies. Separately, Iranian state media reported that three vessels hit mines in the western Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday night and stopped. Iran did not name the ships or give details about their owners, damage or casualties. ^2,5

The seven reported incidents draw attention to a route that carries a large share of the world’s oil shipments. The strait connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman, and attacks there can threaten ship traffic and energy supplies. Iran blamed the United States, accusing it of urging vessels to use a passage that Iran says is mined. It warned that its response could reach US bases in the region. The reports do not include Washington’s account of the alleged incidents, and the claims remain unconfirmed. ^1,2

The warning comes as the conflict between Iran, the United States and Israel continues, while talks between Washington and Tehran have stalled. US President Donald Trump said Wednesday that something would happen “fairly soon,” but the reports do not say what action, if any, will follow. The immediate next step is clearer: ship operators and authorities must assess the reported fires and mine incidents, while the vessels’ identities and condition remain unknown. ^5,6