In brief
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) reported that four oil tankers that crossed the Strait of Hormuz via a prohibited southern passage detonated after hitting mines, setting them ablaze. An alternative report from the Bastille Post cited only three vessels in a separate incident. Both accounts come as the IRGC also claimed to have destroyed U.S. drones in the region and issued a threat of a ‘final blow’ against the United States and Israel.
In the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said that four oil tankers flagged as violators detonated after striking naval mines along the prohibited southern route, setting the vessels on fire.
A separate report from the Bastille Post, dated the previous day, claimed that three "violating" oil tankers exploded earlier in the day after hitting mines in the same waters. The discrepancy between four and three remains unverified by independent witnesses.
IRGC air defense forces also reported shooting down a U.S.-made MQ‑9 Reaper drone at 4:30 a.m. local time (0100 GMT) over the Strait of Hormuz. Earlier on Tuesday, the IRGC said its forces intercepted two low‑cost U.S. combat drones over the southern port city of Bandar-e Khamir.
Iran’s IRGC spokesperson stated: "The IRGC warned that its forces were ready to deliver the 'final blow' to Israel and the United States." The statement echoes earlier warnings following the blockade of foreign vessels in February that barred safe passage for ships affiliated with Israel and the United States.
These events unfold amid a backdrop of heightened tensions in the Persian Gulf, with Iranian forces asserting increased control over the Strait of Hormuz—a critical shipping lane for global oil transport.
