Iran blames deactivated radar for three tanker explosions in Hormuz

Iran's state broadcaster reported on Thursday that three oil tankers exploded and caught fire after hitting naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz.

The Revolutionary Guard Corps said the vessels struck mines over the past 24 hours. The report cited the navy, which claimed the tankers turned off their radar and navigation systems. The navy also stated the ships ignored warnings while attempting to leave through a restricted route. The damaged vessels were abandoned off the southern coast of the waterway. The state broadcaster did not name the tankers or list any casualties.

A British military monitor confirmed the incident. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations Center reported that a vessel saw another ship on fire while transiting the strait. The center said it did not know the status of the crew or the extent of the damage. It was not immediately clear if that specific burning vessel was one of the three identified by Iran. Lloyd's List Intelligence noted that tankers continue to move oil through the strait under U.S. military protection despite recent attacks.

Iran maintains that ships must communicate with its authorities and follow specific paths. The Guard asserts that other routes are mined. Tensions in the region remain high as observers worry that U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran could resume. The Associated Press could not independently confirm the Iranian report.

In Israel, voters await final election results that may be announced as early as Thursday evening. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his allies do not appear to have the 61 seats needed to form a government. Nor do the opposition parties seeking to unseat him. Allegations of foreign interference have deepened the uncertainty. The head of the Central Elections Committee asked the Shin Bet intelligence service to investigate these claims. The letter dated Wednesday referenced alleged funding by foreign entities against the Israeli interest. Israeli law requires results to be certified by Nov. 4. Netanyahu used the request to argue that no party should cooperate with Arab-led groups. Local media projected 53 seats for his bloc, 48 for opposition parties, and 19 for Arab-led parties. President Mahmoud Abbas said he is ready to resume peace talks once a new government forms.

In Yemen, the Houthi-run Health Ministry said a Saudi strike killed 12 people in Taiz. Three others were critically wounded, including women and children. The ministry blamed the attack on two homes belonging to the same family. The province has seen renewed fighting in recent weeks. A separate strike hit a paint factory late Wednesday. Yemen's National Human Rights Authority said the fire could release toxic gases into the soil and groundwater. The Associated Press could not independently verify these reports.

In central Gaza, health officials at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital said an Israeli strike on a civilian vehicle killed two people and wounded another. The Israeli military did not respond to a request for comment. The death toll in Gaza has risen daily since the ceasefire began in October 2025. The territory's Health Ministry, part of the Hamas-run government, says more than 1,550 Palestinians have been killed since that date. The ministry does not distinguish between civilians and fighters.