New Delhi: Tension is increasing in the Strait of Hormuz. The Navy of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has claimed that three tankers passing through Hormuz without Iran's permission were rocked by explosions after hitting a sea mine. According to the IRGC, the three tankers were passing through the southern part of the strait and had turned off their location tracking systems. After the explosions, the ships caught fire and were seen burning near the southern coast of the strait. Iran has long been warning that ships passing through this important sea route could be stopped without its permission. The Strait of Hormuz is a very important sea route for the supply of energy in the world. The increasing tension here may increase concerns regarding international maritime traffic and oil supply.
Iran claimed to have shot down two American drones
Meanwhile, IRGC has claimed to have shot down two American Lucas drones over Iran's coastal area Bandar Khamir. According to Iran's news agency Tasnim, IRGC took this action. Earlier on Monday night, the IRGC Navy had also informed about the destruction of a drone in the Strait of Hormuz. Amidst the increasing tension in the sea, Qatar has said that mediation efforts are going on to end the dispute between America and Iran. Qatar's Foreign Ministry spokesman Majid al-Ansari said that both countries are considering the proposals presented to resolve the conflict. He said that efforts are on to reduce differences between the two.
Tension increased amid Trump's threats
The latest developments in Hormuz have happened at a time when US President Donald Trump has warned of a new military attack against Iran. Trump has said that if diplomatic talks fail, America can attack Iran again. In recent times, America has taken military action on Iran's Qeshm Island and has also conducted operations in the Strait of Hormuz. Trump has justified these actions and warned of further bigger attacks.
Threat to target Pickaxe Mountain
President Trump has also talked about targeting the Pickaxe Mountain nuclear base located near Natanz in Iran. This is a very strong and underground nuclear base built under the mountain. Trump says that Iran's nuclear capability is hidden under heavy rocks under the ground, so America may have to attack this base.
However, Trump has made it clear that nuclear weapons will not be used in this action. He has talked about attacking with conventional weapons and has also refused to send American ground troops to Iran. In such a situation, explosions in tankers in Hormuz, Iranian claims of downing drones and warnings of US military action have further increased the tension in the Gulf region. On the other hand, talks are going on between the two countries with the mediation of Qatar.