Iraqi authorities are investigating oil smuggling linked to a pro-Iranian armed group in the region. The Iranian navy confirmed seven oil tankers were hit by naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz within the last 24 hours. The incidents occurred in the critical waterway through which about 20% of the world’s oil passes.
The Iranian military said the mines were deployed by a group it accused of supporting Iran’s regional rivals. The attacks targeted commercial vessels, with no casualties reported. Iraqi officials are examining whether the group is involved in smuggling oil through the strait.
The Strait of Hormuz has seen increased tensions in recent months, with multiple incidents involving Iranian naval activity and Western sanctions. The latest attacks follow a series of similar incidents, raising concerns about the security of the vital maritime route. The region remains a focal point for geopolitical tensions between Iran and its neighbors.
