IRGC Says Its Mines Set Two Tankers Ablaze as Washington Denies Downing a Drone

The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps announced that mines planted by its naval forces in the southern channel of the Strait of Hormuz led to two tankers catching fire and being halted, according to Euronews. The statement did not specify the names of the two tankers or the exact location of the incident.

In contrast, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations reported an incident between an oil tanker and military forces approximately 121 nautical miles east of the Omani city of Duqm. The agency stated that the incident resulted in no damage or casualties, and did not disclose the identity of the vessel.

The Revolutionary Guard also claimed that its air defenses shot down an American MQ-9 drone over the strait on Monday night. A U.S. official denied the claim in statements to American media. Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization, said that about 6,000 seafarers have been stranded in the strait since the war began.

Spokesman for the Revolutionary Guard Hossein Mojabi warned against targeting undersea internet cables in the Gulf and the strait, saying that "new weapons will be unveiled" aimed at removing the U.S. military presence from the region. Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei stated that Tehran will respond to any American attack.

What do these terms mean?

Strait of Hormuz: A narrow waterway connecting the Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, through which a large portion of global oil exports passes.

Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps: An Iranian military force separate from the regular army, responsible for protecting the regime and conducting overseas and naval operations.

International Maritime Organization: A United Nations specialized agency responsible for the safety and security of shipping and the prevention of marine pollution by ships.