Iran reports three tanker incidents in Strait of Hormuz

Iran reported Tuesday that three oil tankers were damaged by mines in unauthorized routes through the Strait of Hormuz, escalating tensions with the United States amid ongoing negotiations. The Revolutionary Guard said the tankers, whose flags were not specified, caught fire and were abandoned near the southern shores of the strait. It warned that ignoring its instructions for crossing the strategic waterway would cause further incidents. Iran has reported over 30 vessel incidents in three weeks, at least 20 from naval mines, as it seeks to block the strait since war with the U.S. and Israel began February 28. The U.S. bombed Qeshm island overnight, while Iran claimed capturing two American drones.