Iran reports tanker fires in Strait of Hormuz after weeks of attacks

Iran reported multiple oil tankers on fire in the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday, according to Tehran, where Iranian forces have targeted merchant ships near Omani waters for weeks. The claim could not be independently verified. Iran's Revolutionary Guard said four tankers were attacked while transferring oil to other vessels and three more struck mines overnight. The Guard reiterated that passage through the strategic strait is illegal and threatened intensified attacks against the United States. Iranian forces have escalated strikes on shipping in the strait recently, typically targeting tankers and cargo ships on a southern route near Oman. The U.S. Navy has escorted civilian vessels along Omani coasts for months to restore oil and liquefied natural gas trade.