IRAN IRGC CLAIMS FOUR OIL SHIPS HIT , THREE OTHERS STRIKE MINES IN HORMUZ

What happened: Iran's IRGC Navy claimed it struck and set fire to four ships carrying oil cargoes in the northern Persian Gulf, and said three other vessels Why it matters: The claim came amid heightened tensions over maritime movement through the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway through which a significant share of global oil shipments passes. The IRGC blamed the United States and warned the confrontation could expand. Key numbers: Four ships hit and set on fire; three other vessels struck mines; the reported US force build-up includes three aircraft carriers and a 22,000-pound GBU-43/B MOAB.

Iran's IRGC Navy claimed it struck and set fire to four ships carrying oil cargoes in the northern Persian Gulf, and said three other vessels

The claim came amid heightened tensions over maritime movement through the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway through which a significant share of global oil shipments passes. The IRGC blamed the United States and warned the confrontation could expand. Key numbers: Four ships hit and set on fire; three other vessels struck mines; the reported US force build-up includes three aircraft carriers and a 22,000-pound GBU-43/B MOAB.