Iran reports seven tankers hit or damaged in Strait of Hormuz overnight

Iran's state television reported that seven oil tankers caught fire or were damaged overnight in the Strait of Hormuz, after being targeted or striking naval mines, marking a potential escalation in the region. If verified, this would be the largest single-day number of vessels damaged in the waterway since the Iran war began on Feb. 28, when the United States launched joint strikes against Iran. The Revolutionary Guard's navy said four tankers were targeted while transferring oil, and three others were immobilized by mines. The report did not specify casualties or tanker flags. The Guard warned that U.S. attempts to use "illegal passages" in the strait could expand its response to include attacks on U.S. bases in Gulf countries.