Iran Reports Seven Tankers Damaged in Strait of Hormuz, Threatens US Bases

Seven oil tankers were reportedly struck in attacks or damaged by naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz overnight, raising fresh concerns over the safety of one of the world’s most critical oil shipping routes as the Iran war continues to disrupt the region.

Iranian state television, citing a statement from the navy of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), reported that four tankers caught fire after being targeted while transferring oil, while three others were damaged and immobilised after hitting naval mines.

If independently verified, the reported damage could mark the largest number of vessels hit in a single day in the strait since the war began on February 28, when the United States launched joint strikes against Iran.

The Iranian report did not disclose the names or national flags of the affected tankers. It also provided no information on possible casualties, leaving the full extent of the damage unclear.

The latest reported incidents add to growing maritime security concerns in the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman. The narrow passage is a vital route for global oil shipments, making any disruption a potential threat to energy supplies and international trade.

In a warning accompanying the report, the IRGC navy said attempts by the United States to facilitate the passage of oil tankers through what it described as “illegal passages” could trigger a wider response. It threatened to extend its operations to US military bases across the region.

The Revolutionary Guard has repeatedly targeted American military installations in Gulf countries since the conflict began, adding to tensions across the Middle East.

However, the reported damage to all seven tankers had not been independently confirmed in the information available. The absence of details on the vessels’ identities, ownership and casualties also leaves key questions unanswered.

With the Strait of Hormuz central to the movement of oil from the Gulf to international markets, further attacks or restrictions on shipping could deepen uncertainty for energy traders and countries dependent on supplies passing through the waterway.