Iran’s Revolutionary Guard claimed on Friday that four oil tankers were hit in the Strait of Hormuz, escalating tensions in the region. The incident comes amid ongoing diplomatic efforts between Iran and the United States, with Qatari mediators returning to Tehran for further discussions.

The Iranian military said the tankers were targeted in the strategic waterway, a critical route for global oil shipments. The attack follows a similar incident earlier in the week, when two tankers caught fire and were stopped in the same area. Iran has not confirmed responsibility for the attacks, but has accused the United States of escalating hostilities.

The U.S. Has not officially commented on the latest incident, though President Donald Trump previously stated that the war with Iran would “get wrapped up soon.” Meanwhile, Russia and Saudi Arabia held talks on the security of the Hormuz and Bab al-Mandeb straits, highlighting the growing regional instability.

The situation reflects a broader pattern of heightened tensions between Iran and Western powers, with the conflict in Ukraine further complicating international diplomacy. The G20 summit in the United States saw sharp disagreements, with European officials criticizing Russia’s stance on Ukraine.

The attacks on the tankers underscore the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz and the potential for further escalation. As diplomatic efforts continue, the region remains under increased scrutiny, with the risk of further conflict looming.