Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said two oil tankers collided with naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz late Sunday, as Iran and the United States continued indirect negotiations through Qatar aimed at ending the conflict.
According to the Tasnim news agency, which is associated with the IRGC, the military force said the vessels were “infringer” tankers that exploded after entering an unauthorized route through the strategic waterway. One of them was identified as a supertanker that suffered a powerful explosion and caught fire.
The IRGC did not disclose the ships’ flags or provide information about possible casualties or the extent of the damage. It said the tankers had switched off their navigation and identification systems and were attempting to cross the strait clandestinely, allegedly with the support of the United States military. The force said both vessels were immobilized at the scene after the incident.
Iran has reported about 30 incidents involving ships over the past three weeks, including at least 20 that it linked to naval mines. Tehran says it remains in control of the strategically important passage.
The incident came as Iranian and US officials intensified efforts to reach an agreement ending the war, which the report says began on February 28 with attacks by the United States and Israel against Iran. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi said Sunday that Tehran was working with Doha, without direct negotiations with Washington, on a peace plan that could allow the Strait of Hormuz to reopen within two days.
US President Donald Trump, meanwhile, threatened on Sunday to launch further attacks against Iran during a rally in Iowa ahead of Tuesday’s midterm elections. US media also reported that Trump had discussed with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu the possibility of resuming bombardments.
On Saturday, Trump said the United States still had to deal with one or two targets in Iran, including Mount Kolang, which he said was suspected of housing a nuclear complex. He said Washington had neutralized Iran’s nuclear capabilities but still had additional locations to address.
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, responded to the repeated threats by warning the United States against further military or terrorist attacks. A statement attributed to Khamenei said that Iran’s armed forces and people would decide when and under what conditions the war would end if attacks resumed.
The United States continues to maintain a naval blockade in the region and has increased sanctions against Iran. Washington has also threatened further attacks unless Tehran accepts its demands through an agreement, while Iran insists on its own conditions and says it is prepared to defend itself against the risk of further military escalation.
Sources: Observador.