Iran Conducts First Limpet Mine Attack On Tanker Since 2019

Iran reportedly carried out its first limpet mine attack on a tanker since 2019, following multiple alleged strikes on international shipping in the Strait of Hormuz over the prior 24 hours. A UK maritime monitoring agency said a UAE-owned crude oil tanker, M/T Louise-1, was disabled after two limpet mines detonated on its hull above the waterline while transiting late Thursday, causing a fire in the engine room after 10 p.m. local time. The crew was unharmed. Al-Monitor cited the incident as suggesting a tactic shift by Iran’s IRGC, amid ongoing signs of a US military buildup in the region and possible renewed US-Iran confrontation.