Four tankers catch fire after mine attacks in Strait of Hormuz

In the Strait of Hormuz, Iran has claimed that four oil tankers have caught fire after colliding with sea mines in the last 24 hours. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of Iran stated in a statement that three oil tankers caught fire and exploded after hitting mines while using an unauthorized southern route in the Strait of Hormuz. These vessels had turned off all their radar and navigation systems and ignored the warnings of the IRGC Navy. Subsequently, the Iranian military reported that another tanker, operating illegally in a restricted and dangerous area in the eastern part of the strait, also hit a mine, sustained damage, and caught fire, leaving it unable to proceed.

On the other hand, the British maritime agency UKMTO reported on Thursday that it had received a report of a fire on a vessel 9 nautical miles (17 kilometers) north of the city of Khasab, Oman. However, the agency did not provide any details regarding the cause of the fire or any casualties. It is also unclear whether this incident recorded by UKMTO is one of the tankers mentioned by the IRGC. According to a report by the Hinston Times, a Panama-flagged crude oil tanker named MT Lewis 1, which had 27 Indian sailors on board, was reportedly targeted by a limpet mine in the Strait of Hormuz. This incident occurred 25 nautical miles (46 kilometers) north-east of Khasab, Oman. India's Minister of Shipping Sarbananda Sonowal posted on X stating that all Indian sailors on board the MT Lewis 1 are completely safe and have sustained no injuries. Additionally, the minister stated that a Liberia-flagged VLCC tanker named MT Arznah was also the victim of a projectile attack, and the two Indian nationals on board are also safe.

According to a Reuters report, a limpet mine was attached to the hull of the Panama-flagged tanker by a small boat, which caused the fire and left the ship temporarily incapacitated. This is believed to be the first successful use of such explosives in this strait since the start of the US-Iran conflict. According to the Greece-based Maersk Group, limpet mines are a special type of naval explosive that are attached to a ship's hull using magnets or clamps. This method is used because it is cheap and effective.

These events are taking place amidst tensions between Iran and the US. A state of war has prevailed in the Middle East following the US and Israeli attacks on Iran in February. Since then, Iran has attempted to gain control over the Strait of Hormuz, which is vital for the global supply of oil and natural gas, and has attacked ships it deems unauthorized. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) emphasized on social media that all mines have been cleared from the main transit route, but IRGC spokesperson Hossein Mohebi challenged this claim, saying, "Present independent evidence for your mine-clearing claims, not just statements!"

In the current situation, the US Navy is enforcing a blockade against Iranian vessels and escorting tankers for safe passage. According to Kpler data, oil exports through this strait have declined again over the past week. According to the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, attacks on ships in this strait are at an extremely high level since the war began. Meanwhile, Iran has also claimed that it has captured a US MQM-170 drone. According to a report by the Tasnim News Agency, Iran used its new and advanced air defense system to bring down this drone. Iran claims that since the war began, it has destroyed 14 drones and over 50 MQ-9 Reaper drones, though these claims have not been independently verified.

Political activities are also intensifying in the US. It is believed that US President Donald Trump is considering new attacks against Iran following the November 3 midterm elections. Trump signaled last week that he could carry out "another small epic fury," a reference to the attacks that took place in February. Meanwhile, there are reports that US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has removed the Pentagon's top military planner, Army Lieutenant General Brett Sylvia, from his post, indicating high-level changes in the Trump administration.