West Asia Conflict / IRGC Mines Ignite Tankers, Downs US Drone in Strait of Hormuz
Key Points
Iran’s IRGC says two tankers ignited after hitting mines in Hormuz, claims drone downing, while Baghaei vows retaliation and Trump warns of possible strike on Pickaxe Mountain.
Tehran, Oct 20: Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced Tuesday that two oil tankers caught fire after striking naval mines laid by its forces in the Strait of Hormuz.
The IRGC claimed the vessels were attempting to cross the waterway through an “illegal” southern route, warning that any attempt to traverse the mined path would result in the destruction of “violators’ assets.”
In a separate operation, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) reported Tuesday that two oil tankers caught fire after striking naval mines laid by its forces in the Strait of Hormuz.
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✨The IRGC said the vessels attempted to cross the strait via an “illegal” southern route, warning that any attempt to transit the mined path would result in the destruction of “violators’ assets.”
In a separate operation, the IRGC claimed its air defence units shot down a US MQ‑9 Reaper drone Monday night over the strait, stressing that its forces remain vigilant and will continue to assert sovereignty over the waterway.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei reinforced the message, declaring that the country “will not let any strike against it go unanswered” and will respond with equal or greater force.
At his weekly press briefing in Tehran, Baghaei dismissed social media claims that Washington had sent a message announcing plans to attack Iran’s Pickaxe Mountain, a site alleged to be tied to its nuclear program. He insisted that “the era of hit and run is over,” rejecting suggestions that Iran would avoid retaliation as “fantasies.”
Baghaei also clarified that no discussions on Iran’s nuclear issue took place during Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov’s recent visit to Tehran. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump, in an interview with Newsmax, said the United States “may have to target Iran’s Pickaxe Mountain,” emphasizing Washington’s determination to prevent Tehran from developing nuclear weapons.
The latest developments underscore escalating tensions in one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints, with Iran signalling it will continue to confront perceived violations and threats head‑on.
(IANS)