Iran says seven tankers hit in Strait of Hormuz, a single-day record

Iran reported that seven oil tankers were damaged in the Strait of Hormuz on Friday, marking the largest single-day number of vessels hit in the waterway since the war began on 28 February. Four tankers were transferring oil when they were targeted and caught fire, while three others were damaged and immobilised after hitting naval mines, according to Iran's state TV citing the Revolutionary Guards' navy. The report did not provide details on casualties or the tankers' flags. The incident comes amid ongoing tensions, with the US sending additional military assets to the region and Iran asserting control over the strait as leverage in potential talks. Tanker operators have resorted to night-time voyages in a US-protected lane, while oil prices and shipping costs have risen significantly.