Iran Reports Tanker Fire Near Strait Of Hormuz As US-Iran Tensions Escalate

Iran’s Army navy reported on Saturday that an oil tanker caught fire after striking naval mines east of the Strait of Hormuz.

According to a statement published on the army’s website, the vessel allegedly switched off its navigation systems and entered a restricted and unsafe area despite warnings from Iranian authorities.

The navy described the tanker as a ‘violating’ vessel and warned that other ships entering prohibited areas could face similar consequences, Xinhua News Agency reported.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed that its aerospace division had established underground facilities for missile and drone production.

IRGC spokesperson Hossein Mohebbi said Iran had rapidly shifted manufacturing operations from surface facilities to underground locations. He further stated that Tehran continued to increase the range of its missiles and would maintain these efforts.

Mohebbi warned that Iran could respond to renewed military attacks with previously undisclosed capabilities. He said the country remained prepared to defend its sovereignty, identity and territorial integrity without geographical limitations.

The statements come amid escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran, following renewed US threats of military action.

Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency reported that two missiles struck Qeshm Island early Saturday, although it did not provide details about the damage.

US President Donald Trump said on Friday that American forces had launched fresh strikes against Iran’s air defence systems, describing the operation as ‘minor’.

The reported attack marked the second US strike on Qeshm Island this week.

The Wall Street Journal, citing US officials, reported that American forces had targeted the island on Monday.

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