Iran says tankers destroyed after hitting mines in Hormuz

Iran asserts control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy transit route, and has been intercepting vessels without its approval since the escalation of the conflict following US-Israeli strikes on Iranian soil in February. A statement from Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, reported by state television, disclosed that four oil tankers attempting to breach the prohibited passage south of Hormuz were destroyed by naval mines, with the remaining burning out of control.

Two additional non-compliant ships were also halted. In addition, Iran claimed to have shot down a drone over the strait. Tehran asserts jurisdiction over Hormuz, a crucial international energy artery, and has been targeting ships that attempt to traverse without its consent since the onset of hostilities. The ongoing conflict, prompted by US-Israeli assaults on Iran in February, remains unresolved, with sporadic indirect communication channels between the United States and Iran showing minimal promise of diplomatic resolution.

Iran's chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, indicated readiness for confrontation should hostilities resume, while President Masoud Pezeshkian emphasized a diplomatic approach to resolving the crisis. Ghalibaf reiterated that no one would benefit from the continuation of war, as expressed by Pezeshkian on Tuesday.