Iran says it has halted two oil tankers in the waters south of the Strait of Hormuz after what it described as incidents involving vessels attempting to use an “unauthorized route” through the strategic waterway.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said one tanker had been stopped in the eastern part of the strait and the other in the west. It did not explain what the incidents were, but alleged that both ships had switched off their navigation and positioning systems while trying to leave via a southern route backed by the United States.
“Two offending oil tankers … encountered incidents and were brought to a halt,” the IRGC said in a statement.
The development came after Iran’s armed forces said at least four tankers had been forced to stop in the area after striking sea mines. The claims could not be independently reconciled with a report from the UK navy’s Maritime Trade Operations centre that a tanker was hit by a projectile while travelling through the strait.
The vessel was reportedly using the southern route when it came under fire. No crew injuries or environmental damage had been reported at the time.
It was unclear whether that tanker was among the four ships Iran said had hit mines, or whether it was involved in a separate incident.
Iran has repeatedly warned shipping operators against using the southern passage, saying it considers the route illegal. The IRGC said the two tankers had been supported by the “terrorist U.S. military”, reflecting the continuing confrontation between Tehran and Washington.
The maritime incidents unfolded as Qatar sent officials back to Iran in an effort to advance a possible peace agreement with the United States. The delegation, led by a senior adviser to Qatar’s prime minister and foreign minister, is expected to meet senior Iranian officials.
Iranian officials have said any ceasefire would require the lifting of the American blockade of its ports and relief from sanctions affecting its oil and gas sales. Tehran has not yet responded to a letter sent by US Vice-President JD Vance to Iranian security chief Mohsen Rezaei, which President Donald Trump said was intended to help deliver medical supplies rather than restart peace negotiations.
