Oman said Friday its Royal Navy evacuated 25 crew from the Panama-flagged merchant ship RITI after an attack near its coast, while Iran’s Revolutionary Guard claimed three tankers were immobilised in the Strait of Hormuz, Digi24 reports citing AFP, Agerpres and other sources. The RITI attack caused a fire; sailors received medical care. Omani authorities did not name perpetrators.

The RITI incident occurred about 1.6 nautical miles off the Musandam peninsula. It is unclear whether it is linked to other reported attacks in the strait.

The Guard first said two tankers were immobilised after trying routes Tehran deems unauthorised; Iranian state media said the ships had switched off navigation systems and were moving with US support despite radio warnings. Later the Guard said a third tanker carrying two million barrels hit a naval mine: “This is the third tanker that suffered explosions and caught fire today.” Details on flag, causes and crews were not given for the first two ships.

Separately, UKMTO reported that on Thursday evening a small craft fixed two explosive devices on a tanker about 25 nautical miles north-east of Khasab, Oman; an engine-room fire was extinguished, the crew was safe and the ship resumed transit. The Financial Times identified the vessel as Louise 1; attackers remain unknown.

CENTCOM’s Adm. Brad Cooper reiterated that main Hormuz lanes have been cleared of mines and US forces are keeping routes open; he also rejected a Guard claim about a US drone. Qatari mediators returned to Tehran amid talks on a deal; Axios wrote that the US and Israel are weighing major military options after the 3 November midterms. Trump said Friday the war with Iran will end “soon,” without saying how.

Image: ships in the Strait of Hormuz (Wikimedia Commons / US Navy).

Sources consulted: Ships attacked and fires in the Strait of Hormuz - Digi24.