Verified Evidence: resolved · Fact Lock: locked · QA: pass
Iranian authorities claimed that four tankers hit mines in the Strait of Hormuz, with reports differing on whether the vessels were destroyed or caught fire. No independent confirmation of the cause or damage was provided in the supplied reports.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said the vessels struck sea mines while attempting to cross a prohibited route, according to BBC World. The report did not provide the tankers’ identities, flags, operators or cargoes.

France 24 reported that Tehran said four oil tankers caught fire after hitting mines. The New Indian Express and BBC World also reported Iran’s account that the vessels were destroyed, but the supplied material does not independently establish either the destruction or the mine cause.

The claim emerged amid continuing tensions between the United States and Iran. France 24 reported that US President Donald Trump said Washington had launched strikes on Iran the previous day, while discussions aimed at ending the war were continuing through mediators with little sign of a diplomatic breakthrough.

SOURCES

  1. France 24Four oil tankers destroyed in Hormuz after hitting mines, Tehran says
  2. BBC WorldFour tankers destroyed by naval mines in Strait of Hormuz, Iran's IRGC says
  3. The New Indian ExpressIran says tankers destroyed after hitting mines in Hormuz