Iran Claims Drone Capture as Tankers Explode Near Strait of Hormuz

Iranian military forces intercepted an American drone and reported that at least four oil tankers caught fire after striking naval mines near the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said three violating vessels exploded after using an unauthorized southern route while operating with their navigation systems switched off.

Iran's army reported that a fourth tanker caught fire east of the strait later on Thursday after striking naval mines in a restricted area.

The maritime incidents occurred as regional mediators and international diplomats attempted to revive stalled peace talks to prevent a renewed military escalation.

U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that Washington could resume major military strikes against Iran if ongoing diplomatic negotiations fail to yield results.

The United States Central Command previously stated that key transit routes through the strategic waterway had been cleared of all sea mines.

Hossein Mohebi, the spokesman for the IRGC, challenged that assessment in a public post on social media.

"Prove your Hormuz mine-clearing claim with independent evidence, not statements!" said Mohebi.

Meanwhile, the Iranian navy reported that its electronic warfare unit successfully captured an American reconnaissance drone in the western portion of the strait.

The military aircraft was identified as an MQM-170 drone by Iranian state media outlets, though reports differed on whether it was an MQ-1 model.

In diplomatic developments, U.S. Vice President JD Vance sent a letter to a top Iranian security official in an effort to establish a framework for renewed talks.

Iranian officials confirmed receiving the communication from Washington but indicated that no formal response had been issued regarding the proposal.

President Trump offered differing accounts of the diplomatic outreach, telling reporters that the contact primarily concerned the delivery of necessary medical supplies.

"We need to finish the job, either through a deal or another way, we will find out if negotiations can succeed," said Trump.

Regional leaders continued discussions in Tehran to seek independent security arrangements, with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian criticizing foreign military involvement.

"Regional countries do not need the US to come from the other side of the world under the pretext of providing security," said Pezeshkian.

It remains unresolved whether the diplomatic backchannel and regional mediation efforts can establish a lasting peace before the United States initiates further military action.