Iran has warned that its military is ready to retaliate immediately against any new US attack, as fresh tanker strikes and reported naval mine explosions heightened tensions around the Strait of Hormuz.
The Iranian military has prepared a “maximum deterrence” plan and expanded its target lists to include US and Israeli assets across a wider geographical area, according to reports carried by Iranian media. The warning comes amid speculation over a possible new round of US strikes, after President Donald Trump said Washington was “locked and loaded” but had no immediate plans to attack Iran.
An oil tanker was struck by two “unknown projectiles” near the Strait of Hormuz, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said, without identifying the vessel or providing further details.
The incident followed claims by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) that four oil tankers attempting to cross a prohibited area south of the strait had been destroyed after hitting naval mines and catching fire. The IRGC also said its forces had intercepted two other vessels.
Iranian state-linked media reported that the IRGC’s Aerospace Force had shot down a US MQ-9 drone over the strait at about 4:30 a.m. local time on Tuesday. There was no immediate independent confirmation of the tanker, interception or drone claims.
The IRGC has made similar claims about tankers striking mines in recent weeks, including on October 30.
The latest incidents underscore the risks to commercial shipping through the strategic waterway, a vital route for global energy supplies, as military tensions persist despite ongoing diplomatic contacts.
Trump, speaking to the Financial Times, said the United States had no immediate plans for further strikes and that negotiations with Tehran were continuing. He said Washington was getting what it wanted through the talks, while declining to disclose any potential military plans.
The US president also said more oil was passing through the Strait of Hormuz than before the war and described the US blockade of Iranian ports as damaging to Tehran’s economy.
Oil prices eased in early trading on Wednesday as markets weighed the prospects for peace talks between Washington and Tehran. Brent crude fell 0.25 percent to $103.34 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate dropped 0.55 percent to $95.56.
The developments come as the conflict continues to threaten regional security and maritime traffic, with the latest tanker reports adding to uncertainty over the safety of passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
