At least five oil tankers and a tugboat have caught fire in multiple incidents within the Strait of Hormuz, Iranian forces announced Thursday, underscoring ongoing threats to maritime traffic. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) stated that shipping would remain at risk as long as the conflict between the United States and Israel persists.

These incidents occur against a backdrop of severely restricted traffic through the vital waterway, which typically handles approximately one-fifth of the world's oil consumption. Iran has significantly curtailed movement through the strait since the onset of the war with the US and Israel in late February.

According to the IRGC, an oil tanker struck a mine south of the Strait of Hormuz overnight, resulting in a fire and halting its progress. A supertanker exiting the eastern Strait of Hormuz also caught fire, and a tugboat dispatched to assist subsequently ignited.

The Iranian army later reported that three additional tankers were struck by naval mines and caught fire. Official statements indicated these incidents occurred in waters east of the Strait of Hormuz, described as "unsafe."

Separately, the British military confirmed that a tanker was struck by two projectiles off the coast of Qatar. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency reported the vessel was hit approximately 50 nautical miles north of Madinat ash-Shamal on Wednesday. The identity of the tanker and its flag state were not disclosed, and no group has claimed responsibility.

This latest series of attacks follows a similar incident last week where a Qatari liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier, the Al Mayeda, was hit by "unidentified objects" in the Gulf. The Qatar Gas Transport Company confirmed the incident on Sunday, stating no crew were injured and there was no environmental impact.

Attacks on tankers in the Gulf region are reportedly approaching record levels. A report last month from UKMTO indicated difficulties in accurately tracking the full extent of these incidents, as many go unreported.

The ongoing disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global energy supplies, continue to raise concerns about regional stability and the security of international shipping lanes.