Strait of Hormuz Military Tension Increases: Tanker Hit, Unmanned Vehicles Seized, New Sanctions Implemented

Military tension around the Strait of Hormuz does not subside. As six months have passed in the war that started with the attacks of the USA and Israel against Iran, new attacks and sanctions have been added to the mutual threats.

The attacks of the Houthis in Yemen on Saudi Arabia increased the concern that the conflicts would spread to the region.

TANKER WAS SHOT OFF HARK ISLAND

Iran's Mehr News Agency reported that explosions were heard repeatedly in some parts of Hark Island, where most of the country's oil exports are carried out. Iranian media reported that two explosions occurred in Cask Port in the south of the country.

Tasnim News Agency claimed that an Iranian oil tanker was the target of a missile attack by US forces, approximately 4 miles away from Hark Island.

In the news based on local sources, it was stated that there was no loss of life or injury in the tanker, which was hit near the anchorage area, and the crew was evacuated. No information was given regarding the connection between the explosion sounds and the tanker incident.

WARNING FROM IRAN OF ATTACK ON AMERICAN BASES

Senior Iranian military officer Ali Abdullahian said that the US army issued an evacuation warning to hit Iranian oil tankers.

"Any attack on Iranian oil tankers will result in US bases in the region being targeted by Iranian armed forces," Abdullahian said, according to Iranian state television. he said.

MUTUAL STATEMENTS FOR UNMANNED UNDERWATER VEHICLE

Iranian Revolutionary Guards announced that they seized a US unmanned underwater vehicle in an operation at the entrance of the Strait of Hormuz.

Iranian state media reported that the vehicle has the capabilities of underwater reconnaissance and surveillance, mapping the seabed, detecting mines and examining undersea cables and pipelines.

US Central Command (CENTCOM) Spokesperson Tim Hawkins announced that an unmanned underwater vehicle used by American forces malfunctioned. Hawkins stated that the vehicle was inspecting regional waters to support ongoing operations, but did not mention whether it was seized by Iran.

In a separate statement, the Revolutionary Guard claimed that it shot down an MQ-1 type unmanned aerial vehicle over the Strait of Hormuz. The statement did not specify which country the aircraft belonged to.

NEW SANCTIONS FROM WASHINGTON, REACTION FROM TEHRAN

The US Treasury Department announced that sanctions were imposed on 36 targets related to Iran's aviation industry. It was reported that the decision also included 27 Iranian airline companies that were not previously included in the sanctions list.

The ministry accused the Iranian administration of using the aviation sector to transport weapons, personnel and illegal cargo. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that those doing business with airline companies under sanctions may face the risk of being excluded from the global financial system.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi criticized the US for re-applying sanctions, arguing that Washington could not achieve its goals through sanctions and war.

“PROGRESS” IN OMAN AND HORUZ MEETINGS

Despite the military and economic tension, diplomatic contacts continue. In his telephone conversation with his Japanese counterpart, Arakchi said that "significant progress" has been made in the negotiations with Oman regarding the management of the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the latest status of the talks, which have been ongoing for weeks, was discussed. Details regarding the content of the progress were not shared.

ATTACK ON SAUDI ARABIA BY THE HOUTHI: 73 INJURED

Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen targeted four cities in the south of Saudi Arabia with missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles.

The Houthis announced that they attacked an air base in Khamis Mushait and Aramco facilities in Abha, Najran and Jizan. Saudi officials reported that 73 people, including women and children, were injured.

While the attacks caused fires in oil facilities, activities were stopped in some energy facilities.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio argued that Iran was behind the attacks. Describing the Houthis as Iran's proxy forces, Rubio said, "I think Iran's hand is clearly behind some of this." he said.

While the conflicts in Yemen intensified again after a four-year ceasefire, the Houthis launched a new operation to expand their control area near the Bab al-Mandeb Strait at the entrance of the Red Sea.

13 PEOPLE KILLED IN ISRAEL'S ATTACKS ON LEBANON

Israel launched a series of air strikes on southern Lebanon on Monday, after weeks of relative calm.