Iran claims it destroyed four oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz; UAE cleans up separate spill

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed it destroyed four oil tankers that struck naval mines while attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz, following US strikes on Iran's Qeshm Island. The UAE is separately cleaning up an oil spill that closed some northern beaches. The IRGC said the tankers were destroyed on a banned route and remain burning, also claiming to have detained two vessels and shot down a drone. No independent confirmation exists, as Iran released no names, flags, or crew details. The announcement came amid heightened tensions since US and Israeli strikes on Iran began February 28, 2026. The UAE spill stems from the tanker GEM NO. 2, damaged October 9, with cleanup ongoing in Umm al-Quwain and nearby emirates. Authorities report reduced contamination and enhanced water quality monitoring, though environmental risks to marine ecosystems and desalination infrastructure persist.