DUBAI — Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy said on Thursday that four vessels involved in illegal oil transfers in the northern Persian Gulf were hit at the same time and caught fire, after its forces had tracked them on Wednesday, Reuters reported.
Three more vessels collided with mines west of the Strait of Hormuz, the Guard said.
The Guard also warned the U.S. military that continued provocations could lead to a wider response against its regional bases, according to Reuters.
Iranian state television reported the same total overnight. It said seven oil tankers caught fire and were damaged, four of them while they were transferring oil and three after they hit naval mines, according to The Associated Press.
The state television report gave no details on casualties. It did not identify the tankers or say which flags they were sailing under, the AP said.
If the report is verified, it would be the largest number of vessels damaged in the waterway in a single day since the Iran war began on Feb. 28, according to the AP.
Oil prices rose after the reports. Brent crude climbed $2.82, or 2.59%, to $111.64 a barrel at 0626 GMT on Thursday, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude gained $2.24, or 2.31%, to $99.39, Reuters reported.
The Guard’s claims have not been independently verified. The Reuters report carried no response from the U.S. military.
Have something to promote?
Bring your business, services or event to our readers.
