IRGC claims its mines set two tankers ablaze in Hormuz, says it shot down a US MQ-9 drone; Iran threatens undersea cables, state media claims US airstrike on Konarak naval base
What happened
In a statement Tuesday, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said two oil tankers were set ablaze and halted after hitting mines its navy had planted along a passage south of the Strait of Hormuz that Tehran unilaterally calls unauthorized, warning violators' assets 'will be set ablaze' and that oil companies will 'pay a heavier price' if the US 'continues its provocations.' Neither vessel was named nor the precise location disclosed; Iranian state media reported one explosion and severe fire. UK Maritime Trade Operations reported an incident Monday between a tanker and military forces ~121 nautical miles east of Duqm, Oman, but reported no damage or casualties. Separately the IRGC claimed it shot down a US MQ-9 drone over the strait Monday night — a US official dismissed the claim as false. An IRGC spokesperson also threatened to target undersea internet cables in the Gulf and strait and said 'new weapons will be unveiled.' Separately, state-affiliated Fars news agency claimed a US airstrike hit a naval base in Konarak, Sistan and Baluchistan province, injuring two military personnel; Washington has not commented. None of the claims have been independently verified.
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Start your free 14-day trialWho’s affected
- Energy: oil majors, refiners, tanker/shipping stocks (Brent ~$110, WTI ~$98); airlines and transport on fuel costs; defense names (Northrop Grumman etc.) on escalation; broad market via oil-driven inflation and Fed-hike odds; subsea cable/telecom infrastructure operators.