Iran Claims Seven Ships Damaged in Strait of Hormuz, Warns US of Escalated Conflict

Iran has reported that seven oil tankers and vessels sustained damage in the Strait of Hormuz, marking the highest single-day toll for the crucial waterway since the conflict with the United States and Israel began on February 28. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) stated on Thursday that four of the affected vessels were carrying oil and caught fire overnight after being targeted. The remaining three ships were disabled due to striking mines. These claims have not been independently verified, and details regarding potential casualties or the flags of the tankers were not provided.

The IRGC issued a stern warning to the US, indicating that American bases across the Middle East could face wider retaliatory strikes if Washington intervenes to assist tankers transiting other sections of the strait. "The US military must know that if this trend continues, the conflict will extend to its bases in the region," the IRGC announced via its Sepah News website, emphasizing, "This is a serious warning." Iran asserts control over Hormuz, a vital shipping route that previously handled one-fifth of global oil supplies before the war. The country has a history of targeting vessels attempting to navigate the strait without authorization, while the US military has increased its escort of ships through the area, leading to a rise in Iranian attacks.

US President Donald Trump commented on Thursday, suggesting that "Iran is doing everything they can to drive up the price of oil prior to the US Midterm Election." He further alleged on his Truth Social platform that Iran is fabricating incidents, including mine attacks, to influence oil prices, asserting that more oil is currently flowing through the Strait of Hormuz than before the conflict began.

A spokesperson for the US Central Command, speaking anonymously to Al Jazeera, refuted Iran's claims about mines, stating that US forces have cleared the international shipping lanes. The spokesperson asserted that Iran is employing missiles and drones and that the strait remains open, with 95 percent of vessels successfully passing through. The attacks, according to the spokesperson, demonstrate Tehran's "desperation" amid the US blockade, which is hindering Iran's ability to rebuild its military capabilities.

Al Jazeera's Mohamed Vall, reporting from Tehran, noted that the daily number of attacked ships and tankers is increasing, with Iran vowing to continue these actions. He added that there is speculation in Tehran about an imminent escalation, with expectations of a US attack before the US midterm elections. The IRGC army chief has reportedly boasted of Iran's readiness and its sufficient weaponry for a symmetrical conflict against the United States.

From the US White House, Al Jazeera's Kimberly Halkett reported that striking Iran does not appear to align with Republican interests, citing pre-election polls. She highlighted that most Americans desire relief from war-related expenditures, expressing frustration over rising fuel prices due to the conflict. This situation places pressure on the US president, not only from the opposition but also from within his own Republican Party.