Iran’s Revolutionary Guard said on Friday that four oil tankers caught fire after reportedly striking naval mines while passing through the Strait of Hormuz. One of the vessels was carrying more than 2 million barrels of oil. Iranian authorities claimed the ships were using unauthorized routes, although the reports have not been independently verified.
At the same time, tensions continued across the Middle East, with Yemen’s Houthi rebels reportedly launching attacks on Aden, while Qatari officials returned to Tehran to discuss possible diplomatic efforts to end the ongoing conflict.
1. Four Oil Tankers Reportedly Catch Fire in the Strait of Hormuz
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard reported that four oil tankers struck naval mines and caught fire on Friday while navigating the Strait of Hormuz. One vessel, described as a supertanker carrying over 2 million barrels of oil, was allegedly using an unauthorized route.
Iran has repeatedly warned ships against crossing the strategic waterway without its approval. Tehran has also claimed responsibility for previous attacks on vessels and warned that unauthorized ships could face destruction.
According to Iranian state media, three other tankers also caught fire after reportedly ignoring warnings and switching off their navigation systems. However, the Associated Press said it could not independently confirm Iran’s claims.
Separately, Oman reported rescuing 25 crew members from a Panama-flagged tanker that caught fire after an attack near its coast. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations reported that another vessel was hit by an unidentified projectile near Iran’s Lavan Island. Its crew was reported safe.
2. Yemen’s Houthi Rebels Reportedly Target Aden
Yemen’s Saudi-backed military said Iran-aligned Houthi rebels launched ballistic missiles toward the southern port city of Aden on Friday.
The reported targets included Aden International Airport and a presidential palace used by Yemen’s internationally recognized government. Residents described hearing powerful explosions, with one local resident saying the blasts shattered nearby windows.
Government officials reported no casualties. However, the Houthis had not immediately claimed responsibility for the incident.
Meanwhile, the Saudi-led coalition said it intercepted and destroyed Houthi drones near Mecca and Medina. The Houthi military spokesperson denied conducting operations in those areas.
The United Nations also warned that Yemen’s humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate, with more than 281,000 people reportedly displaced.
3. Qatari Delegation Returns to Tehran for Diplomatic Talks
Qatari mediators returned to Tehran on Friday to hold discussions with Iranian officials as diplomatic efforts continue to find a possible solution to the conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel.
According to Iran’s state news agency IRNA, the delegation was led by Qatar’s foreign minister and a senior adviser to the prime minister. However, details about the Iranian officials involved in the discussions were not disclosed.
The visit follows a recent letter sent by U.S. Vice President JD Vance to senior Iranian official Mohsen Rezaei. Tehran confirmed receiving the letter but said it had not yet responded.
U.S. President Donald Trump suggested that the letter was related to the possible delivery of humanitarian assistance rather than direct peace negotiations.
Diplomatic sources also indicated that U.S. officials had advised regional countries to prepare for the possibility of renewed military action against Iran following the upcoming U.S. midterm elections.
4. Greece Rejects Libya-Turkey Maritime Agreement
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis criticized a maritime agreement between Libya and Turkey that outlines the division of maritime rights in parts of the eastern Mediterranean.
He argued that the agreement violates international law and disregards the maritime rights of Greek islands located between the two countries.
The deal, recently approved by Libya’s parliament, has reignited disagreements involving Greece, Egypt and Cyprus over territorial and maritime boundaries.
Speaking at the Manama Dialogue security forum, Mitsotakis called for a mutually acceptable solution involving all countries concerned.
5. Israeli Forces Demolish Two Palestinian Gunmen’s Homes in Hebron
Israeli forces demolished two homes in the occupied West Bank city of Hebron on Friday. The properties belonged to two Palestinian gunmen accused of carrying out an attack that killed two Israeli soldiers and injured three others the previous week.
Following the attack, Israeli forces launched a large-scale military operation in the area, killing the two suspected attackers, imposing road closures and ordering residents to leave parts of the city.
According to the United Nations humanitarian office, more than 3,000 Palestinians have been displaced by the operation, while restrictions have disrupted businesses and daily movement.
UN human rights chief Volker Türk expressed serious concerns over the operation, particularly regarding the reported use of excessive force and the displacement of civilians. He called for displaced residents to be allowed to return home and stressed that collective punishment violates international law.