US Strikes Iranian Military Targets as Tankers Hit Mines in Strait of Hormuz

Iranian authorities reportedly executed three individuals on Sunday over allegations that they had “collaborated with Israel, the United States, and hostile elements.” According to Iranian reports, the three had participated in protests against the Iranian regime earlier this year.

Meanwhile, U.S. forces launched overnight strikes against Iranian military targets on islands in the Strait of Hormuz and in southern Iran. Iran’s state news agency, IRNA, reported several fatalities on Qeshm Island. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) also confirmed that it had struck a commercial vessel in the Gulf of Oman. In an official statement, CENTCOM said the ship was targeted after its civilian crew ignored repeated warnings and made multiple attempts to violate the naval blockade imposed on Iran.

At the same time, the United Arab Emirates announced that its coast guard had rescued 22 people from a cargo vessel that caught fire in the Gulf of Oman. According to Emirati authorities, all those rescued were nationals of Arab countries.

Separately, the naval forces of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) reported that two oil tankers had struck mines while attempting to travel through unauthorized routes in the Strait of Hormuz. Both vessels were reportedly on fire. According to the IRGC, one tanker was traveling east of the strait, while the other was inside it.

The IRGC Navy subsequently issued a warning to vessels operating in the area, stating: “As previously declared, any vessel that cooperates with the U.S. military, violates Iranian regulations in the Strait of Hormuz, or enters a restricted area will strike a mine.”