Iran reports three tankers hit by mines in Strait of Hormuz
Tehran says vessels ignored warnings while using a restricted route; Israel awaits election certification amid interference claims.
By Yasmin Nasser ·
Iran reported that three oil tankers struck naval mines and exploded in the Strait of Hormuz over the past day. The state broadcaster cited the Revolutionary Guard Corps for the claim, noting the vessels caught fire while attempting to exit the waterway.
Tehran did not identify the specific ships or provide casualty counts. The Associated Press could not immediately confirm the incident independently. The report emerged as regional tensions heightened by fears that U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran might resume.
Iran’s navy stated the tankers switched off their radar and navigation systems before entering the restricted route. Officials said the vessels ignored warnings from Iranian authorities. The damaged ships were abandoned off the southern coast of the strait.
A British military monitor confirmed seeing a vessel on fire while transiting the strait on Thursday. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations Center said it did not know the status of the crew or the extent of the damage. It was unclear if this was one of the three tankers cited by the Guard.
Tankers continue to move oil through the strait under U.S. military protection, according to Lloyd’s List Intelligence. This continues despite a recent increase in attacks in the region.
In Israel, citizens await final election results that could be announced as early as Thursday evening. No faction appears capable of reaching the 61-seat majority required to form a government. Allegations of foreign interference have deepened the uncertainty surrounding the outcome.
The head of the Central Elections Committee asked the Shin Bet intelligence service to investigate the allegations. The letter, dated Wednesday, cited alleged funding by foreign entities against Israeli interests. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu used the request to argue against cooperation with Arab-led parties. Local media projected 53 seats for his bloc, 48 for opposition groups, and 19 for Arab-led parties.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said he is ready to resume peace talks once a new Israeli government forms. In Yemen, the Houthi-run Health Ministry said a Saudi strike killed 12 people and wounded three others in Taiz. A separate strike on a paint factory could release toxic gases into nearby soil and groundwater.
