Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said two tankers that violated navigation rules in the Strait of Hormuz struck mines and halted operations. Rising tensions in the strait pushed international oil prices to their highest level in five months.
In a statement on the 20th, the IRGC public affairs office said mines laid by the Iranian navy exploded in the southern transit zone of the Strait of Hormuz, setting two tankers on fire and halting their voyages after they violated regulations. The IRGC navy stressed that passing through mined areas is illegal and ultimately results only in the destruction of violators' assets. It warned that if such arbitrary actions by the United States continue, the oil companies involved will pay a far higher price.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations said it had received a report of an incident involving a tanker and military personnel at sea about 121 nautical miles (224 kilometers) east of Duqm, Oman. UKMTO added that military personnel were reported to have approached the tanker as part of ongoing military activity in the region.
Attacks on merchant ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz have intensified recently. At least 18 vessels have been attacked over the past two weeks, according to ship-tracking firm Kpler.
Oil prices surged as tensions mounted in the Middle East. Front-month West Texas Intermediate futures jumped 6.58% to $110.48 a barrel as of 7:38 a.m. on the 20th. Brent crude futures for December delivery, the global benchmark, last traded at $111.67 a barrel, up 1.94%, the highest level since May.