Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced that it prevented three oil tankers from passing through the Strait of Hormuz, with one tanker catching fire due to an explosion. The IRGC stated that these tankers, influenced by the US military, attempted to navigate a mined area south of the strait, leading to the explosion and subsequent retreat of the vessels. The IRGC warned that any ship misled by the US and attempting unauthorized passage would face a similar outcome.
US forces conducted airstrikes in Iran for the 12th consecutive night, targeting locations near cities in western Iran and a power station close to the Bushehr nuclear plant. The strikes resulted in casualties, including two deaths in Shalamcheh on the Iraqi border. The US Central Command clarified that the attacks aimed to diminish Iran’s capacity to threaten maritime traffic in the region, amidst escalating tensions over control of the Strait of Hormuz.
President Donald Trump issued a warning that the US would retaliate against any Iranian attacks on ships in the strait by targeting Iranian infrastructure. Trump’s statement, posted on Truth Social, outlined a policy of destroying bridges or power plants in response to any aggression from Iran. In a parallel development, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi emphasized Iran’s commitment to a retaliatory defense strategy, stating that any assault on Iranian interests would be met with a resolute response.
