Oil Tankers Burn in Strait of Hormuz After Striking Mines

Two oil tankers caught fire in the Strait of Hormuz after striking mines on unauthorized routes, according to Iran's official IRNA news agency, which reported the vessels are fully engulfed in flames. The incident occurred amid ongoing US-Iran tensions. IRNA reported explosions near Qeshm island, recently bombed by the US, and other southern locations without citing a cause. The agency said the tankers had disabled navigation systems, though it did not identify the ships. Washington claims it largely cleared mines from the waterway, while Tehran asserts control over the strait. At least 11 vessels were attacked in the area during the week ending November 6, with three sunk, per UKMTO. Traffic is down 65 percent from pre-conflict levels. The US maintains a blockade on Iranian ports and escorts tankers as negotiations remain stalled.