Two oil tankers catch fire after hitting mines near Strait of Hormuz

Two oil tankers caught fire after hitting naval mines east of the Strait of Hormuz, according to Iranian sources. The US military disabled a commercial vessel in the Gulf of Oman for attempting to breach a blockade on Iran. Explosions were reported in southern Iran, including on Qeshm Island.

Iranian state television reported hearing explosions late Saturday in several areas in southern Iran, including Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz. The television indicated that the explosions might be linked to Iranian military activities in this strategic waterway, which has been subject to repeated attacks on commercial ships since the US and Israel launched aggression against Iran in February. The television added that Iranian officials did not confirm any missile strikes on those areas, while the semi-official Tasnim news agency quoted a source as saying that the explosions heard on Qeshm Island are unrelated to missile strikes. Iran's Revolutionary Guard Navy said early Sunday that two oil tankers caught fire after hitting mines while trying to pass through an unauthorized route in the strait. Iran targets ships that violate its restrictions on passage through the waterway. Tasnim had earlier reported Saturday that two missiles hit Qeshm Island, but no official information has been received yet regarding potential damage. These explosions come days after the US launched raids on the island. The US military announced Saturday evening that its forces disabled a commercial ship that attempted to breach the US blockade on Iran. Countries in the region are anticipating the possibility that US President Donald Trump will resume attacks on Iran after the congressional elections.