By Zoila Palma: Seven oil tankers caught fire or were damaged overnight in the Strait of Hormuz after being struck by Iran or hitting naval mines, according to Iranian state television on Thursday.
The reported incidents come amid growing fears of renewed full-scale conflict between Iran, the United States and Israel, raising concerns about global oil supplies and maritime security.
The claims have not been independently confirmed, AP reports.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps navy renewed its threat to attack U.S. military bases in the region if Washington continues assisting commercial vessels travelling through the strategic waterway.
Despite the reported attacks, some tankers continue transporting oil under U.S. military protection, with operators reportedly travelling at night and disabling location-tracking systems to reduce the risk of being targeted. Shipping analysts say the increased risks have driven up tanker charter costs and complicated oil deliveries.
The United Nations has urged Washington and Tehran to return to diplomacy and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global energy shipments.
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