IRAN GUARDS SAY MINES HALTED 2 TANKERS CROSSING STRAIT OF HORMUZ

What happened: Iran's Revolutionary Guards said mines planted by IRGC Navy sailors set two oil tankers ablaze and halted them at a southern crossing point in the Strait of Hormuz. The Guards also said they shot down a US MQ-9 Reaper drone. Key numbers: Conflict began Feb 28. In peacetime, Hormuz carried around a fifth of the world's oil supplies. Why it matters: Attacks on vessels crossing the strait have increased as Washington seeks to escort more ships through it while Tehran seeks to maintain control over passage. The US has imposed a counterblockade on Iranian ports in response.

Iranian Guards report mines halted two tankers in Strait of Hormuz, signaling maritime disruption.

Iranian Guards report mines halted two tankers in Strait of Hormuz, signaling maritime disruption. — impact context not separately stored; see What changed.