TEHRAN/JERUSALEM: Two oil tankers were reportedly engulfed in flames near the Strait of Hormuz, while masked Israeli settlers allegedly attacked European diplomats and Palestinian civilians in the occupied West Bank, according to reports published on Sunday.
The incidents come amid escalating tensions across the Middle East, raising fresh concerns over maritime security, international shipping and the safety of diplomatic personnel.
Iran Reports Two Tankers on Fire
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said two oil tankers caught fire after allegedly striking naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz.
According to Iranian state media, each vessel was carrying approximately two million barrels of crude oil. Iranian authorities also claimed that the ships had switched off their navigation and radar systems before attempting to use a route that Tehran had not authorised.
The claims regarding the cause of the fires and the circumstances surrounding the incidents could not be independently verified. The names of the vessels, their ownership and the extent of the damage were not immediately established.
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global energy corridor connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman. Any prolonged disruption to shipping through the waterway could affect international oil supplies, energy prices and maritime trade.
Israeli Settlers Allegedly Attack European Diplomats
In a separate incident, masked Israeli settlers allegedly attacked European diplomats, Palestinian civilians and a French mayor in the occupied West Bank.
Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot condemned the reported violence, which took place near the Palestinian Christian village of Taybeh during a visit associated with the olive harvest season.
The delegation reportedly included representatives from Belgium, France and Poland, alongside Catholic representatives. French Mayor Bernard Baudoux also said he was assaulted while participating in activities alongside the local Palestinian community.
A vehicle belonging to Belgium’s consul general was reportedly damaged during the incident.
The attack prompted diplomatic concern, with Belgian officials calling for the protection of civilians and diplomatic representatives and accountability for those responsible.
Investigation Into West Bank Incident
Israeli authorities condemned the reported violence and said the incident was being investigated. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar also expressed opposition to the actions of those involved.
The incident has renewed concerns about settler violence in the occupied West Bank and its implications for relations between Israel and European governments.
Concerns Over Further Escalation
The reported fires involving oil tankers and the attack on European diplomats highlight the growing security challenges across the region.
While the Strait of Hormuz remains vital to global energy supplies, violence in the occupied West Bank continues to raise diplomatic and humanitarian concerns.
The full circumstances surrounding the tanker incidents, including the alleged mine strikes, remain subject to independent verification.
Sources: Al Jazeera and international news agency reports.
