TEHRAN / WASHINGTON(The COW News Digital) Iran has claimed that seven oil tankers were targeted in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, reporting that several vessels caught fire while others were immobilized after striking naval mines. In response, the United States rejected Tehran’s assertions, accusing the Iranian regime of fabricating claims to artificially inflate global crude oil prices ahead of the upcoming U.S. midterm elections.
According to statements issued by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy and reported by international news agencies including Al Jazeera, AFP, and the Associated Press, four of the targeted tankers were actively engaged in oil transfer operations during nighttime attacks before catching fire. The remaining three vessels were allegedly disabled after hitting sea mines in the corridor. Independent verification of these claims remains pending, with no confirmed details regarding casualties or vessel flags.
The IRGC issued a direct warning that Iranian forces could target U.S. military installations across the Middle East if American naval assets continue facilitating commercial maritime transit through other sectors of the strait. Teheran characterized the statement as a stern warning against continued U.S. naval operations in the waterway.
The Strait of Hormuz serves as one of the world’s most critical energy transit choke points, historically handling nearly one-fifth of global oil consumption. While Iran continues to assert authority over the waterway, reports of vessel disruptions and maritime threats have intensified.
U.S. President Donald Trump addressed the situation on Truth Social, accusing Tehran of attempting to drive up global energy prices prior to the midterms. President Trump dismissed Iran’s claims regarding widespread mine deployments and ship damages as fabricated narrative attempts.
Concurrently, a spokesperson for U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) refuted reports of active naval mine hazards in the strait, stating that international forces maintain clear shipping lanes. CENTCOM noted that while Iran relies on asymmetric drone and missile tactics, the waterway remains open, with nearly 95 percent of commercial traffic navigating successfully under maritime protection.
As geopolitical tensions escalate, analysts point out that rising fuel prices and war expenditures are sparking domestic policy discussions in Washington regarding the economic costs of extended Middle Eastern military deployments.
