Tensions escalate in Strait of Hormuz following tanker explosions and Iranian warnings

Maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz has deteriorated further after Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) reported that multiple commercial oil tankers exploded and caught fire. According to the IRGC, two vessels carrying over four million barrels of crude oil detonated after hitting naval mines in the strait's southern corridor, while additional reports indicated a third vessel caught fire during an incident while under U.S. military escort.

Amid the maritime disruptions, Iranian state media downplayed claims of direct missile strikes on Iranian territory, including Qeshm Island. However, Iranian security chief Mohsen Rezaei issued a stern warning, stating Tehran would target U.S. bases in Europe if they are used to support strikes against Iran. The escalation comes as Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz declared that military operations against Iran remain incomplete.

Sources: Cyprus Mail, Daily Sabah, France24, Sweden Herald, Trend News Agency.