Iran says seven oil vessels burned or damaged near Hormuz

IRGC reports fires and mine incidents

Iran said on Thursday that seven oil vessels had burned or sustained damage in the Strait of Hormuz and the northern Persian Gulf. The account came as fears of a return to open regional war were rising, Klix.ba reported.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy said four vessels allegedly involved in illegal oil transfers were struck in the northern Persian Gulf. According to the IRGC, its forces had tracked the vessels on Wednesday before they caught fire simultaneously.

The IRGC also said three other vessels encountered mines. The available reports did not provide independent confirmation of the incidents or identify the vessels.