Strait of Hormuz: Iranian forces intercept jet as tanker fires break out

Tensions in the Persian Gulf escalated sharply on Friday as Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed to have intercepted a foreign fighter jet over Qeshm Island. The incident occurred in the early hours of the morning, according to the semi-official Tasnim News Agency. No official government statement has been released to confirm the details or identify the aircraft.

Residents of Qeshm Island reported hearing explosions and seeing unidentified lights in the sky and over the water during the same timeframe. An IRNA correspondent was among those who witnessed the events. Local sources told the agency that the island’s air defense systems had been activated. Unofficial sources suggested the explosions over the water might have been warning shots fired at ships violating international agreements in the Strait of Hormuz.

The disruption in the strait coincided with an attack on a commercial vessel. UKMTO reported that a tanker traveling outbound caught fire on Thursday after two explosive devices attached to its hull detonated. The incident took place 25 nautical miles northeast of Oman’s Khasab. A smaller ship approached the tanker and placed the explosives on the hull above the waterline. The crew reported that all members were safe.

Earlier that day, UKMTO received a report from a company security officer that a tanker had been struck by an unknown projectile while transiting the strait. Meanwhile, the IRGC claimed that three oil tankers had caught fire after hitting mines. The group said the vessels were attempting to pass through the unauthorized southern route of the Strait of Hormuz.

In Washington, US Central Command Chief Adm. Brad Cooper briefed President Donald Trump on military options regarding Iran on Thursday. A source with knowledge of the meeting told The Jerusalem Post that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine were also present. The Wall Street Journal first reported the briefing, citing US officials. The meeting took place one day after military leaders met with Vice President JD Vance.

Vance has reportedly reached out to Iran to revive peace negotiations. Trump dismissed the reports, stating that Vance had communicated with the Iranians only to discuss shortages of medical equipment. The exchanges occurred against a backdrop of increasing maritime friction and aerial activity in the region.