Iran Claims Two Oil Tankers Caught Fire in Strait of Hormuz

TEHRAN: Iran has claimed that two crude oil tankers caught fire after striking mines in the Strait of Hormuz, as diplomatic efforts continue to ease tensions between Tehran and the United States (US).

According to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), both vessels caught fire in the strategic shipping lane, as Gulf countries condemned an attack on a Qatari liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier reportedly carried out on Friday.

However, further details regarding the identities of the vessels, the extent of the damage or the number of casualties were not disclosed.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said negotiations through mediators were ongoing to implement a plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within two days, expressing hope that Washington would pursue a diplomatic approach.

“Discussions are still ongoing, and we hope the US will make a wise decision to give diplomacy a chance,” he said.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump once again expressed confidence that the conflict involving Iran would end soon.

According to Trump, the war would end “very soon, either through an agreement or by other means”, while warning that Tehran must reach a deal with Washington.

He had previously said negotiations with Iran were progressing well but stressed that he was in no rush to finalise any peace agreement.

Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz remain a focus of global attention, as the waterway is one of the world’s most important energy shipping corridors.

Any disruption in the area could affect global oil supplies and increase pressure on international energy markets.

AWANI