Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has escalated tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, claiming attacks on navigation facilities in Omani territory and two oil tankers this week. The moves come amid heightened regional tensions and ongoing U.S. naval enforcement in the critical waterway.
Attacks on Omani Island
According to Iran’s state-run Fars News Agency, IRGC naval forces targeted navigational systems on Oman’s Didamar Island (also known as Little Quoin Island) on November 8. Iranian officials claimed the facilities were assisting “oil smuggling by the enemy” – a reference to the United States and its allies.
Satellite imagery and video showed smoke plumes near the island, though Omani officials told The Maritime Executive that no damage occurred to their facilities. The small island houses a historic lighthouse, radar tower, and other navigation aids operated under Oman’s Royal Navy.
Disputed Tanker Explosions
In a separate claim on Thursday, the IRGC said two oil tankers “exploded after hitting naval mines” while attempting to use an unauthorized route through the strait. The Revolutionary Guard did not identify the vessels, and independent confirmation of the incident remains lacking.
Some analysts suggest smoke from these alleged tanker explosions may have been mistaken for damage to Didamar Island. The UK Maritime Trade Operations has reported multiple projectile attacks on ships this week, though none matching the scale of mine damage described by Iran.
Strategic Waterway Under Pressure
The Strait of Hormuz remains a flashpoint, with U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) vowing continued enforcement of what it called an “ironclad naval blockade against Iran.” In a Wednesday statement, CENTCOM said American forces work “around the clock” to keep the strait open while preventing Iranian weapons and sanctioned materials transfers.
Oman, which typically maintains neutrality in regional conflicts, has not denounced any Iranian actions this week despite past objections to territorial violations. The sultanate’s Hormuz Control Center on Didamar Island plays a key role in regional maritime safety.
Source: www.breitbart.com โ https://www.breitbart.com/national-security/2026/11/12/iran-escalates-with-attacks-on-ships-and-omani-island/