Iran's IRGC Says Four Tankers Destroyed by Naval Mines in Strait of Hormuz

Conflicting reports on tanker losses

The IRGC said on Wednesday that four oil tankers had been destroyed after hitting naval mines. The statement followed US officials’ announcement that the US military had launched strikes on Iran.

The BBC said it could not independently confirm the IRGC’s account. The force had also reported on Tuesday that three tankers were destroyed after striking mines early that day, and said it shot down an MQ-9 drone over the Strait.

Political response in Washington

Iranian parliamentary speaker and top negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said US midterm results showed voters rejected war. He wrote on X that Americans had said no to war, whether because of conscience or living costs, and that Iran supported that message.

President Donald Trump said poor results for Republican members of Congress were partly linked to the war and higher gas prices, but said he did not regret launching it. He told CBS News the conflict would end “when I say it ends,” according to the report.

Trump and Netanyahu comments

Asked about Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu’s remarks that another attack on Iran could come this week, Trump said US forces were “locked and loaded” if needed, while adding there might be no need. Trump also said Iran would never have a nuclear weapon. Ghalibaf told Iran’s parliament on Tuesday that the country would not surrender and that the United States was responsible for preventing a war.

Hormuz closure and peace plan

Baghaei said the revised plan could be put into effect within two days if the US agreed. President Masoud Pezeshkian said his government had been seeking to resolve the crisis through dialogue, adding that “no-one will benefit from this war” if fighting with the US and Israel resumes.