Hormuz Tanker Mine Incidents Raise Stakes as Iran, U.S. Weigh Proposal

Regional tensions intensified after Iranian authorities reported three tanker incidents near the Strait of Hormuz, even as mediators pushed a new proposal aimed at reducing the risk of a wider confrontation between Tehran and Washington

A fresh diplomatic initiative aimed at easing tensions between the United States and Iran emerged on the same day Iranian authorities reported that three oil tankers had struck mines near the Strait of Hormuz, underscoring the volatile mix of military, economic and political pressures shaping the crisis.

Sources described by Al-Araby Al-Jadeed as close to mediation efforts led by Qatar and Pakistan said a proposal accommodating requests from both Washington and Tehran has been presented to Iranian officials. The initiative is intended to prevent a further escalation and create conditions for renewed negotiations between the two sides.

According to those sources, cited as well by Israeli news outlet Ynet, the proposal was delivered to Iran by Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir. The plan reportedly has U.S. approval and has already received what was described as a preliminary positive response from the Iranian side.

The diplomatic push comes amid conflicting signals from Tehran. Iranian media reported Munir’s arrival in the capital, while Iranian sources quoted by Lebanon’s Al Mayadeen television, which is considered close to Iranian authorities, said Tehran now views the mediation efforts of Pakistan and Qatar as unlikely to achieve meaningful results and is exploring alternative channels.

At the same time, Iranian authorities announced a series of incidents involving commercial shipping in one of the world’s most strategically important maritime corridors.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said three tankers struck mines south of the Strait of Hormuz. Two vessels accused of violating navigation rules caught fire and were left immobilized after hitting mines placed by the Guards’ naval forces along what Iran described as an unauthorized route. The account was published by the IRGC-affiliated outlet Sepah News.

State television later reported that a third tanker exploded and caught fire after striking another mine in the same area. Iranian authorities said the vessel was carrying two million barrels of crude oil and had turned off all radar and navigation systems before the incident.

The maritime developments unfolded as Washington continued to highlight the impact of its economic pressure campaign against the Islamic Republic.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the American operation known as “Economic Outcast” is driving severe deterioration inside the Iranian economy and could eventually push the country toward economic collapse. Speaking to 2Way Tv, Bessent compared the situation to a failing company losing access to financing and argued that signs of panic are increasingly visible among elected officials and members of the Revolutionary Guards.

Bessent also claimed Iran is experiencing inflation above 100 percent and warned that the economy could face a double-digit contraction. Describing the campaign as entering its eighth week, he suggested the effects of U.S. measures could intensify significantly in the coming weeks, predicting a point at which economic deterioration accelerates in a non-linear manner.

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated that removing the Iranian regime remains Israel’s central strategic objective. Netanyahu said he has discussed the issue repeatedly with U.S. President Donald Trump, including in a recent conversation.

Arguing that a weakened Iranian leadership would still attempt to rebuild its nuclear capabilities and regional network of allies, Netanyahu maintained that regime change is the only way to prevent Tehran from repeating what he described as past efforts to develop nuclear weapons and reconstruct its regional axis. He added that such an outcome would ultimately be accompanied by the elimination of Hezbollah.

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