TEHRAN: Iran warned international vessels traveling through the Strait of Hormuz to follow its designated routes after an oil tanker exploded, with officials claiming the incident occurred after the ship entered restricted areas and hit naval mines.
Iranian officials said the tanker was not following the navigation lanes approved by authorities when the explosion happened. They warned that ships passing through the strategic waterway must coordinate with Iranian authorities, adding that Tehran could not guarantee safety for vessels that ignore its instructions.
The incident comes after two days of relative calm in the region, with no reported attacks between Iran and the United States. However, tensions remain high following weeks of military threats, strikes and diplomatic disputes.
Iranian officials also criticized Ukraine over an attack on an Iranian commercial vessel in the Caspian Sea that killed one sailor and injured another. Ebrahim Azizi, head of Iran’s parliament’s National Security Commission, warned Kyiv over the incident and accused Ukraine of expanding the conflict.
Today, as the nations of the world have grown weary of the tyranny and oppression of the US government and the criminal Zionists, who are the destroyers of lives and generations, there remains no path forward except jihad and resistance.
— Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei (@MKhamenei_ir) July 26, 2026
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump shared AI generated images on his social platform showing a possible seizure of an Iranian oil tanker and a strike on Iran’s Kharg Island oil export facility. The images showed Trump aboard a tanker carrying a U.S. flag and fighter jets attacking the oil terminal.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said mediators, including Pakistan and Qatar, were continuing efforts to exchange messages between Tehran and Washington. He said Iran’s main focus remained defending its sovereignty while facing pressure from the United States.
Baghaei claimed Iran had followed a previous agreement to maintain safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz for 30 days but accused Washington of launching new attacks before the deadline ended. He said the United States had used shipping-related incidents as a reason for military action.
Undoubtedly, a significant measure of this great achievement is due to the patience, nobility, self-sacrifice, and support of the Lebanese people, particularly those in the southern region.
— Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei (@MKhamenei_ir) July 26, 2026
Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei also praised Hezbollah fighters for their resistance against Israel, describing the group as a strong force against what he called aggression. His comments came in response to a message from Hezbollah’s leadership and fighters.
Khamenei said Hezbollah’s actions represented determination and resilience, while crediting Lebanese communities, especially those in southern Lebanon, for supporting the group.
The latest developments highlight continued tensions across the Middle East, where maritime security, military actions and diplomatic efforts remain closely connected. The Strait of Hormuz, a major global energy route, remains a key focus as regional powers seek to manage rising risks.
