【Iran Crisis】Two oil tankers in the Persian Gulf catch fire and explode, causing a sharp rise in Brent crude oil, once again approaching the 100 mark. Iranian officials hint at the possibility of blocking the Red Sea entrance on the other side (updating continuously).

According to reports from overseas news agencies such as Faytuks Network, there was a fire and explosion on an oil tanker in the Persian Gulf. Iraqi port officials stated that two foreign oil tankers were attacked within the past hour, and 25 crew members evacuated. Reports indicate that the two oil tankers on fire near the Iraqi coast are the Malta-flagged ZEFYROS and the Marshall Islands-flagged SAFESEA VISHNU.

Brent crude surged 6%, trading at $97.64.

EXCLUSIVE: The 2 Tankers that are on fire off the coast of Iraq are the Malta flagged ZEFYROS and the Marshall Islands flagged SAFESEA VISHNU pic.twitter.com/rpWfoHw20C

— Stellar Man (@stellarman22) March 11, 2026

▼Click image to enlarge

According to Al Jazeera, an unnamed senior Iranian military/security official warned that if the US makes a strategic mistake, another strait could face a situation similar to the Strait of Hormuz. This statement is widely interpreted as referring to the Mandeb Strait at the southern entrance to the Red Sea, another critical route for oil transportation.

The official also added in an interview that the Middle East “may soon enter a regional war,” emphasizing that Iran “still has many cards to play.”

When asked by reporters, Trump responded, “They have lost their navy, lost their air force, have no air defense systems, no radar. Their leadership is gone. And we can do worse to each other. We have some things left, and if we take them away—or we can take them away this afternoon, in fact within an hour—they will never be able to rebuild that country.”

Trump stated that oil companies should use the Strait of Hormuz. “We almost destroyed all their mine-laying ships in one night. We’ve hit 60 ships—I didn’t realize they had such a large navy. I’d say it’s big but ineffective. But nearly all their navy, almost every ship, has sunk to the bottom of the sea.”

He also claimed that Iran has not laid mines in the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump said Spain has not cooperated at all, and he considers them very poor partners. He suggested they might cut off trade with Spain.

$1 or less indicates Wednesday’s news====

Iran plans to lay mines in the Strait of Hormuz, with thousands of stockpiled devices. Trump warns of unprecedented military consequences.

The Strait of Hormuz remains a global focus. According to CBS, U.S. intelligence indicates Iran may be preparing to deploy mines in the strait. Iran might use small boats capable of carrying two to three mines for deployment, with an estimated stockpile of about 2,000 to 6,000 mines.

CNN reports, citing two U.S. intelligence sources, that Iran has begun laying naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz. Currently, only dozens of mines have been deployed, but Iran still has 80-90% of its small boats and minelaying vessels available.

Trump then posted on Truth Social: “If Iran has indeed laid mines in the Strait of Hormuz—and we have no reports of this—we demand they be immediately removed! If they have laid mines for any reason and fail to remove them immediately, Iran will face unprecedented military consequences. Conversely, if they remove any mines they may have already placed, that would be a big step in the right direction! Additionally, we are using the same technology and missile capabilities—originally used to combat drug traffickers—to permanently eliminate any ships or vessels attempting to lay mines in the Strait of Hormuz. They will be dealt with swiftly and forcefully. Warning!”

Trump continued, “In the past few hours, we have hit and completely destroyed 10 inactive minelaying ships or vessels, and more will follow!”

U.S. Energy Secretary makes false claim

U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright mistakenly claimed on social media that the U.S. Navy had escorted a tanker through the Strait of Hormuz. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt clarified: “The U.S. Navy is not currently escorting any tankers or ships.”

“I’ve seen the post, and I haven’t had a chance to speak directly with the Secretary of Energy about it,” Leavitt said. “However, I know the post was quickly deleted.”

Wright previously posted: “The U.S. Navy successfully escorted a tanker through the Strait of Hormuz to ensure the continued supply of oil to global markets.”

The International Energy Agency (IEA) will hold a special meeting on Tuesday to discuss the possible release of emergency reserves. The organization’s over 30 member countries, mainly developed economies in Europe, North America, and Northeast Asia, collectively hold 1.2 billion barrels of oil reserves.

Hegseth: The most intense day of strikes

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said, “Today will again be the most intense day of strikes inside Iran.” He pointed out that in the past 24 hours, Iran launched “the lowest number of missiles they have ever launched,” and condemned Iran for unprovoked attacks on neighboring Gulf countries, some of which were once allies.

He said the targets include destroying Iran’s missile stockpiles and manufacturing capabilities; “destroying their navy”; and “permanently depriving Iran of the possibility of nuclear weapons.”

Russia does not share intelligence with Iran

U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff said that Russian leaders denied allegations of sharing intelligence with Iran during a call with Trump on Monday.

$1 or less indicates Tuesday’s news====

Oil tankers stall before the Strait of Hormuz, no passage. Trump at press conference: Iran’s war will end soon but no promise on timing.

Oil prices plunged nearly 10%, with Brent crude dropping 9% to $90.3, and NYMEX crude falling 8% to $87. According to shipping sources, dozens of oil tankers near the Strait of Hormuz attempted to pass but retreated, led by a Gambian-flagged vessel, FAREEDA 5, which reached near the strait but then withdrew back into the sea. As of 1 p.m., no ships had passed.

▼Click image to enlarge

Iranian semi-official media Fars News Agency reports that a senior Iranian military officer warned, “Until further notice, we will not allow a single liter of oil to be exported to hostile parties and their allies in the region.”

According to CNBC, the Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson also warned that oil tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz “must be very cautious,” adding, “As long as the situation remains unsafe, I believe all oil tankers and all maritime navigation must remain highly vigilant.” He stated that targeting U.S. military bases and assets in the region is “legal” under international law, based on UN Charter Article 51.

🔴 One of Iran’s senior military officials told Al Mayadeen: Until further notice, we will not allow a single liter of oil to be exported in the region to hostile parties and their allies.

— Fars News Agency (@FarsNews_Agency) March 9, 2026

U.S. military transport aircraft appeared earlier today.

Trump stated that the U.S. has deployed strong military forces and mine-clearing equipment in the Strait of Hormuz, and will provide “political risk insurance” and direct escort for commercial ships if necessary. He emphasized that Iran will not be allowed to cut off global oil supplies.

Trump held a press conference, refusing to promise an end to the war “within days or this week,” but stressing it will be “very quick.” He said that because Iran’s military assets (navy, air force, radar, leadership, etc.) have been almost entirely destroyed, the operation will not take long. He noted that the current military progress is unprecedented, with the initial timetable—expected to take about a month—already being surpassed.

He claimed that the U.S. has severely damaged Iran’s military, sinking 51 navy vessels, destroying drone manufacturing facilities, and reducing Iran’s missile capability to below 10%. Over 5,000 targets have been struck, including major strategic sites, and Iran’s top leadership has been eliminated two or three times. Deep underground nuclear facilities Iran attempted to rebuild in secret have been destroyed, preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

He said that Iran’s power grid and critical infrastructure remain intact as leverage; if Iran retaliates, it will face devastating consequences. He claimed the most dangerous phase of the war was over within three days.

He expressed hope that Iran will nominate a new leadership willing to pursue peace. He was disappointed that Iran’s Supreme Leader is the son of Khamenei.

He emphasized that maintaining the Strait’s open passage is mainly to stabilize the global economy, explicitly stating that this action actually helps China and other countries dependent on the route. “I want to keep it open. I want to keep it good. You know, it doesn’t affect us as much as it does China. We’re actually helping China and other countries because they get a lot of energy from the strait. But we have a very good relationship with China. I’m honored to do this.”

Summary of the press conference:

“Over the past weekend, U.S. military and Israeli Defense Forces continued to execute Operation Epic Fury with unprecedented success. Over the past nine days, we launched the most powerful and complex military strikes and tactical exercises in history. If you add these actions to our other achievements—such as Operation Midnight Hammer, which eliminated Iran’s nuclear threat, and successes in Venezuela and elsewhere—we have achieved tremendous victories everywhere.”

“At the same time, we have made significant progress in achieving our military objectives. Some might say these goals are already quite well accomplished. We have thoroughly and completely eliminated every armed force inside Iran. Most of Iran’s navy has been sunk. I just received reports of 51 ships. I didn’t even realize they had so many ships, but they didn’t last long. These are combat vessels meant for fighting, but they are no match for us.”

“We continue to target Iran’s drone and missile capabilities. Their drone numbers have been greatly reduced. Their drone manufacturing plants are under full attack from today. We have seized all their drone production sites and are destroying them one by one. Their missile capability has dropped to about 10%, possibly less. We are also precisely striking their missile manufacturing and transportation facilities. To date, we have struck over 5,000 targets, including very strategic ones. But we are holding back some of the most critical targets for future use. If we hit those, they will need many years to rebuild, affecting the country’s power generation and other vital infrastructure. So unless absolutely necessary, we do not intend to go that far. These targets are easy to hit, but once hit, they would cause catastrophic consequences. We are watching and will decide whether to strike them. We could destroy all of them in a day.”

“All these actions have caused about 90% of the overall decline across sectors, especially Iran’s missile launchers. As you know, drone launchers have declined by 83%. Drone launchers are almost destroyed, and Iran’s missile launchers have declined by over 90%. These are highly sophisticated, hard-to-replicate devices. Usually, with our advanced equipment and top-tier personnel, we can accurately and swiftly destroy a launcher within five minutes or less after it fires.”

“So now, we have low-cost interception systems capable of effectively countering Iran’s drones; our B-2 bombers recently dropped dozens of 2,000-pound bombs across Iran to destroy missile launchers, often penetrating underground facilities that cannot withstand such penetrations. We are also destroying Iran’s industrial bases for manufacturing drones and missiles at an unprecedented speed. We know their locations precisely and are eliminating them rapidly. Our progress has far exceeded initial timelines. I dare say, we probably never thought we’d be this far along in just a month.”

“Additionally, we have eliminated Iran’s top leadership two or three times, as you know. We had to intervene. We don’t want a future president (if it’s someone else) to refuse to do what I decisively did for the good of the world and our country, which could lead us back into the same quagmire in five or ten years. So, we believe they should nominate a new president or national leader who can pursue real change peacefully. For 47 years, they have been killing. Forty-seven years! Whether it’s military explosions or the USS Cole attack, they have been deeply involved, despite denials. They are deeply involved in all these tragedies caused by roadside bombs. Those who died, and now those who have lost legs, arms, or suffered severe facial injuries—this Iranian regime has been attacking Americans and spreading terrorism worldwide for 47 years.”

"Despite numerous opportunities to abandon nuclear ambitions—recently, they still cling to this ambition, even telling officials like Witkoff that they want to continue building nuclear weapons. If we hadn’t launched Midnight Hammer and destroyed their nuclear capacity, they would have nuclear weapons by now, and they would have used them. At least Israel would be facing annihilation. We are very fortu