Iranian state television said on Thursday, October 22, that seven oil tankers were hit or damaged overnight in and near the Strait of Hormuz, but the claim could not be independently verified as fears of renewed regional war grow.
Citing the navy of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the broadcaster said four tankers caught fire after they were struck while transferring oil. It said three other tankers were disabled after hitting naval mines. The report did not identify the vessels or say which flags they flew.
It did not say whether anyone was injured. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations, a maritime security monitor, had not reported the incidents. Monitors have noted that some shipping operators appear reluctant to report attacks.
If confirmed, the damage would be the highest number of vessels reported hit or damaged in one day in the strait since the war began on February 28. The war began with U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran. The IRGC warned that U.S. efforts to help commercial ships pass through routes Tehran considers unauthorized could prompt attacks on U.S. military bases in the region.
The strait is a key route for oil shipments. It is also a source of leverage for Iran in its dealings with Washington. The report comes amid concern that U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran could resume.
Regional conflict and war-related price pressures have heightened tensions.