IRGC Sets 4 Ships Ablaze in Gulf, 3 Others Hit Mines Near Hormuz
Iran's IRGC claims to have set four oil ships ablaze and reports three others hitting mines, warning the US of expanded confrontation.
In a dramatic escalation of maritime tensions, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy has claimed responsibility for striking and setting fire to four ships transporting oil cargoes in the northern Persian Gulf. Simultaneously, the IRGC reported that three additional vessels struck mines in the western Strait of Hormuz, further destabilizing one of the world's most critical oil transit corridors.
'Illegal Routes' and Simultaneous Strikes
According to Iranian state media (IRIB), the IRGC Navy targeted the four oil vessels after they allegedly navigated "illegal routes." The Iranian military asserted that these ships had ignored prior warnings issued to their operating maritime companies.
The IRGC statement alleged that the companies involved had been "deceived by the invading US military." After observing and pursuing the vessels, Navy fighters reportedly discovered the ships transferring oil cargoes in the middle of the northern Persian Gulf, at which point all four were hit simultaneously and caught fire.
Chaos in the Strait of Hormuz
Beyond the targeted strikes, the IRGC claimed that three other vessels encountered mines in the western Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday night, resulting in them being stopped. The IRGC Navy emphasized its absolute control over the strait, stating that its sailors continue to manage and regulate maritime movement with the full support of the Iranian public.
Blame Game and Warnings to Washington
Tehran has placed the blame for these maritime incidents squarely on the United States. The IRGC accused the "arrogant US regime" of inciting ships to navigate through "illegally mined passages," claiming that Washington's interference has caused maritime incidents to increase daily.
The IRGC issued a stern warning to the United States, suggesting that the conflict could widen if the current trend continues. The statement explicitly warned that the scope of confrontation could extend to "aggressive bases in the region."
Trump Hints at Imminent Action
These developments coincide with provocative remarks from US President Donald Trump. In an interview with NewsNation, Trump suggested that the United States is not currently negotiating with Iran and hinted that "something" will happen "fairly soon."
While acknowledging some activity, Trump remained vague about the nature of any ongoing discussions, stating, "we are going to have something, one way or the other." He characterized the current state of affairs as a "little conflict against Iran" and claimed that the US is performing well on both military and economic fronts, specifically noting that sanctions have effectively ended previous deals.
Regional Tension on the Brink
The situation is further complicated by reports from The New York Times, which indicate that the United States and Israel have developed plans for renewed strikes on Iran following the American midterm elections.
In response to the mounting pressure, Tehran has threatened to unveil a devastating new weapon it refers to as the "father of all bombs," as West Asia teeters on the edge of a broader confrontation.
Notably, the IRGC has not released the identities of the ships involved, their ownership details, the specific extent of the damage, or whether any casualties occurred during the attacks.