Iran’s Revolutionary Guard said Friday, November 6, that two more tankers caught fire after hitting mines in or near the Strait of Hormuz, while President Donald Trump spoke with Qatar’s emir about reducing tensions as Washington considered its next move in the war.
The IRGC said one tanker was east of the strait and the other was inside it. It claimed both had tried to use an unauthorized route with their navigation and identification systems turned off. It did not identify the vessels or say whether anyone had been killed or injured.
Maritime authorities had not independently confirmed the fires. These claims came after Iranian reports on Thursday that five other tankers and a tugboat had caught fire. Separately, the UK Maritime Trade Operations agency reported that two projectiles hit a tanker off Qatar’s coast.
The Strait of Hormuz is a key route for energy shipments. It normally carries about one-fifth of global oil consumption. The United States has imposed a blockade on Iranian ports.
It is also escorting vessels through the strait. According to his office, Qatar’s ruler, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, discussed mediation with Trump. His office said he emphasized dialogue, freedom of navigation and energy security.
Doha has been mediating between Washington and Tehran. The public statement about the call did not announce a breakthrough. Trump had said the world would soon know whether he would seek a deal or order further strikes against Iran.
That left diplomacy and further military action as possibilities.