Three tankers damaged in Hormuz Strait after striking mines, tensions escalate

Three commercial tankers were damaged after striking mines in the Strait of Hormuz, according to Iran's Revolutionary Guards, reigniting concerns over shipping security in one of the world's most critical energy corridors. The vessels, which were transiting the waterway without authorisation, caught fire following the explosions, authorities said. The incident occurred amid heightened tensions in the Persian Gulf region, where multiple maritime incidents have disrupted global oil supplies and prompted warnings from international shipping bodies. The Revolutionary Guards did not provide additional details about the tankers' nationalities, cargo, or the extent of damage sustained. Separately, Iranian authorities claimed their forces shot down two American military drones operating in the region, adding another layer to escalating confrontations between Tehran and Washington. The claims could not be independently verified. The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical chokepoint through which approximately one-third of globally traded seaborne oil passes. Mine strikes and drone incidents in the waterway have historically triggered sharp increases in international oil prices and prompted naval escorts by multiple countries seeking to protect commercial shipping.