Iran says seven ships hit in Gulf, warns US bases could be next
The Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy said it struck four vessels in the northern Gulf, while three other ships reportedly hit mines west of the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran reports attacks on seven ships
According to a statement released on Thursday, the IRGC Navy tracked four vessels after they allegedly used routes banned by Iranian authorities and transferred oil cargo between ships. The navy claimed the four vessels were struck at the same time and caught fire.
Iran’s Fars News Agency reported that the four ships were either owned by US interests or carrying cargo for an American company. However, Iranian authorities did not identify the vessels or provide details about possible casualties.
The IRGC Navy also said three other vessels struck mines west of the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday night. The incidents reportedly caused fires and left the ships unable to move.
Iran warns US over Strait of Hormuz routes
The IRGC accused the United States of encouraging commercial ships to use routes that Iran considers unauthorised and dangerous because of mines. It warned that continued use of these routes could lead to a wider military response.
“The invading US military must understand that, if this course continues, the confrontation will extend to the aggressors’ bases across the region,” the statement warned. “This is a serious warning,” it added.
The IRGC Navy also said it would continue to manage and control the Strait of Hormuz. The strategic waterway remains at the centre of tensions between Iran, the United States and Israel, while Washington has said it can ensure safe passage for commercial shipping.
Earlier tanker fires raise security concerns
The latest announcement follows earlier Iranian reports of fires involving oil tankers near the Strait of Hormuz. On October 20, the Iranian Army Navy said a tanker caught fire in the strait’s southern corridor after allegedly entering a restricted area despite warnings.
Iranian authorities said the tanker had switched off its tracking systems before the incident. On October 17, the IRGC Navy also reported that a supertanker carrying more than two million barrels of crude oil struck a mine while travelling through a prohibited route.
According to the IRGC, the explosion occurred in the engine room, causing a fire and stopping the vessel. The authorities did not disclose the tanker’s name or details about its crew.
Iran calls for regional cooperation on maritime security
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said regional countries should take responsibility for maritime security in the Gulf. He argued that countries bordering the waterway should work together rather than depend on outside powers.
“The Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf must derive their security from the countries bordering this vital waterway,” he said. Baghaei also said Iran, Russia and China had plans concerning security in the strait, while noting that Russia’s proposal had not been fully made public.
He urged neighbouring countries to cooperate and build mutual trust to improve maritime security. His remarks came amid rising tensions over shipping routes and the growing risk of further incidents in the region.
The reported ship incidents highlight the risks facing commercial shipping near the Strait of Hormuz. The waterway is important for global oil transport, so further disruption could affect energy markets and regional security.
Iran’s warning about US bases raises concerns that maritime incidents could lead to a wider confrontation. However, the identities of the seven ships and the details of the reported attacks have not been independently established in the information provided.
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