Iran Alleges Seven Oil Tankers Hit in Strait of Hormuz, Warns US of Wider Attacks

Iran has claimed that seven oil tankers were hit and damaged in the Strait of Hormuz, raising fears of further escalation in its war with the United States and Israel. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has warned that it could attack US military bases across the Middle East if Washington continues helping ships pass through the strait. The claims could not be independently verified.

According to the IRGC, four tankers caught fire overnight while transferring oil, while three others were disabled after hitting mines. Iran has not shared details about possible casualties or the countries under whose flags the tankers were sailing. The reported attacks would mark the highest number of ships hit in a single day in the waterway since the war began on February 28, if reportedly confirmed.

Iran Warns of Attacks on US Bases

The IRGC reportedly said the conflict could spread to US military bases in the Middle East if Washington continues helping ships travel through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran claims control over the waterway and has repeatedly attacked ships attempting to pass without its permission. The US military, however, has increased its efforts to help vessels move safely through the strait.

• Iran claims seven oil tankers were hit and damaged.
• The IRGC has warned of possible attacks on US bases across the Middle East.
• The US has rejected Iran’s claims about sea mines and disputed its account of the attacks.

Trump Rejects Iran’s Claims

US President Donald Trump accused Iran of making false claims to push up oil prices ahead of the US midterm elections. In a post on Truth Social, he reportedly said more oil was passing through the Strait of Hormuz than before the conflict began. A US Central Command spokesperson also rejected Iran’s claims about mines, saying US forces had cleared international shipping lanes and that Iran was using missiles and drones.

The US spokesperson reportedly said the strait remained open, with 95% of vessels getting through. The spokesperson also said Iran was under pressure because of the US blockade, which limits its access to resources needed to rebuild its military capabilities. Iran’s claims about the tanker attacks and mines have not been independently confirmed.

Rising Fuel Costs Put Pressure on Trump

Al Jazeera correspondent Mohamed Vall, reporting from Tehran, reportedly said attacks on ships and tankers were increasing. He also reported growing talk of a possible escalation in the war. Iranian military leaders have claimed that the country is better prepared than ever to face the United States. However, the situation remains tense, with fears that further attacks could disrupt shipping and oil supplies.