Iran Reports Oil Tanker Hit a Naval Mine in Strait of Hormuz Amid US Tensions

After two days of calm without clashes involving the United States, Iranian media reported on Sunday afternoon that an oil tanker deviated from the route Iran designated for passage through the Strait of Hormuz and struck a naval mine, which exploded. Since the ceasefire was signed, Iran has demanded that all vessels transit the strait only along the path it specifies. When ships chose an alternative route near Oman's coast, Iran attacked some of them, escalating tensions with the US.

Recently, US President Donald Trump warned that if this practice continued, "for every ship attacked in Hormuz, we will destroy a bridge or power station in Iran, including in Tehran." However, Iran claims the tanker was damaged by a mine, not a direct attack, leaving uncertainty about how Trump will respond. Iran had previously warned that ships straying from the designated route would "bear the consequences."

The latest US strikes on Iran occurred overnight Thursday to Friday last week, marking the 13th consecutive night of American attacks. Trump also threatened that Iranian funds held by the US would be used to pay for any damage caused to ships. "Until further notice, any damage to ships, cargo, or related items will be paid for with Iranian money held by the US," he stated, adding that the damages could be significant but that this was "fair and just."

Earlier on Sunday, the New York Times cited a Pentagon source saying the operation against Iran is currently "on hold." Prior to Trump's decisions, CBS reported that US officials expressed concerns about sustaining the current pace of using interceptors and precision munitions, particularly the Patriot and THAAD missile systems, which have been heavily employed against ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones.