Iran reports two oil tankers exploded in Strait of Hormuz

Two oil tankers exploded in the Strait of Hormuz after striking mines, Iran's Revolutionary Guard reported early Saturday. The Guard stated that the vessels were misled by U.S. intelligence services when attempting to pass through a minefield south of the strait.

Iran has reportedly kept the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial shipping route, effectively closed for the past week. The country is attempting to control the waterway, warning tankers and cargo ships to use only the channels near the Iranian coast. Simultaneously, Iran has cautioned against using the southern corridors, which the U.S. is working to protect.

In response to Iran's threats to shipping, the U.S. has reinstated a blockade against Iranian ports and conducted airstrikes aimed at weakening Iran's ability to control and threaten vessels in the strait. The U.S. Central Command announced on Friday that the military had attacked Iran for the seventh consecutive night.

Earlier, the Revolutionary Guard announced it had stopped four ships from passing through the Strait of Hormuz, accusing them of violating rules with the support of the U.S. military. These ships were reportedly halted during a combined missile and drone operation, according to a statement broadcast on Iranian state television. Iran and the U.S. have engaged in regular attacks against each other since February 28.

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For en time siden brød to olietankskibe i brand og eksploderede, da de forsøgte at passere gennem minefeltet syd for Hormuzstrædet efter at være blevet vildledt af de amerikanske efterretningstjenester.