Iran Claims Four Tankers Hit Mines as Hormuz Shipping Fears Grow

Iranian forces claim four tankers were damaged by mines near the Strait of Hormuz, intensifying concern over shipping through a corridor that carries about one-fifth of global energy supplies.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said three tankers caught fire after hitting mines along what it called an unauthorized southern route near Oman. Iran’s army said a fourth tanker burned east of the strait. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards also disputed a U.S. Central Command claim that American forces had cleared mines from primary transit routes.

In Yemen, Iran-backed Houthi forces claimed six operations targeting Saudi airports and oil facilities. Saudi authorities did not confirm those attacks, but said air defenses intercepted and destroyed a Houthi drone launched toward the Mecca region.

Vice President JD Vance sent a proposal to Iran through Qatari mediators earlier this week to reopen talks. The developments have intensified regional concerns that fighting could resume around the Nov. 3 U.S. midterm elections, even as Washington pursues diplomacy.

Shipping through the strait has fallen to single-digit daily passings since fighting began in late February.