Two oil tankers were hit by naval mines near the Strait of Hormuz on Friday, according to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard navy. The incident comes amid heightened tensions between Iran and the United States. The Iranian military confirmed the attacks, describing the vessels as "unauthorised" and suggesting they were targeted.
On Thursday, a ship passing through the strait was struck by an unknown projectile, as reported by the UK. This follows a series of incidents in the region, with both sides accusing each other of escalating hostilities. The US has warned that Iran is increasing efforts to target Americans in the Middle East, with intelligence chief Jay Clayton stating that plots have reached advanced stages.
Iran’s envoy has expressed willingness to engage in negotiations with the US through a Pakistan-brokered agreement, but has criticized Washington for creating obstacles in resolving the Strait of Hormuz standoff. The situation has intensified as the US reduces staffing at four Middle East embassies, raising concerns about diplomatic engagement.
The conflict over the strait has led to warnings of further global oil price hikes. Kenyan MP Ndindi Nyoro has predicted that oil prices could reach their highest levels since the start of the Iran crisis, potentially affecting fuel costs in the region. The ongoing tensions highlight the strategic importance of the strait, which is a key route for global oil exports.
The incidents underscore the fragile balance between Iran and the US, with both sides accusing each other of provocative actions. As the situation escalates, the international community watches closely for any signs of de-escalation or further conflict.
