Iran has claimed that its navy destroyed an enemy unmanned boat in the Strait of Hormuz, while two oil tankers reportedly caught fire after striking naval mines in the strategic waterway, raising fresh concerns over maritime security and international shipping.
In a statement, the Iranian Navy said the unmanned vessel was targeted early Friday while passing through the eastern section of the Strait of Hormuz.
The Iranian military also claimed that two oil tankers travelling through the same area struck naval mines and caught fire. According to the statement, both vessels had switched off their GPS tracking systems and were moving through a restricted maritime zone.
The incidents have added to concerns about the safety of commercial shipping through one of the world’s most important energy transit routes.
Oman’s Royal Navy separately evacuated 25 crew members from a Panama-flagged commercial vessel that caught fire off the coast of Musandam. The rescue operation took place around 1.6 nautical miles from the Omani coast, with the crew receiving medical assistance after being brought to safety.
Meanwhile, the United States has reiterated that the main international shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz have been cleared of naval mines. US Central Command (CENTCOM) chief Admiral Brad Cooper said American forces had completed mine-clearance operations and that commercial vessels were continuing to transit the waterway.
CENTCOM has maintained that the primary shipping routes remain clear and that US forces are monitoring maritime activity to ensure the continued movement of commercial traffic.
The conflicting claims highlight the continuing security challenges in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for global oil and energy shipments. While Iran has reported mine-related incidents involving tankers, Washington maintains that internationally recognised shipping routes have been cleared.
The latest developments have renewed concerns among shipping companies and energy markets over the safety of vessels operating in the region.
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