Iran's Revolutionary Guard says it hit seven ships near Hormuz and threatens US bases
Iran's IRGC navy said it struck four vessels it accused of illegal oil transfers and that three more hit mines, pushing Brent crude above $110, while warning that US bases could be targeted.
Photo: MODIS Land Rapid Response Team, NASA GSFC, Public domain
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) navy said on 22 October it struck four vessels in the northern Gulf that it accused of illegal ship-to-ship oil transfers, and that three more vessels hit mines west of the Strait of Hormuz. CBS News reported that Iranian state TV put the total at seven tankers. If confirmed, that would be the most vessels damaged in the Gulf in a single day since 28 February.Sources:1Al Jazeera: Iran reveals 'offensive' doctrine, US issues alert: Is war imminent?, Al Jazeera, 22 October 2026 (source, opens in a new tab)2Al Jazeera: Iran war live: IRGC threatens US bases if tankers continue 'illegal' routes, Al Jazeera, 22 October 2026 (source, opens in a new tab)3CBS News: Iran War Updates: U.S. reduces troop footprint in Mideast as indirect talks with Iran continue, CBS News, 22 October 2026 (source, opens in a new tab)
The IRGC warned it would "extend confrontation to US bases" in the region if Washington keeps urging ships through waterways it calls illegal. On 21 October, IRGC spokesman Hossein Mohebi announced an "offensive and asymmetrical" defence doctrine and claimed, without giving figures, that Iran's missile stockpile had grown 1.5 times since the June 2025 war. Brent crude rose about 3% to $112.27 a barrel, and US crude to $99.80.Sources:1Al Jazeera: Iran reveals 'offensive' doctrine, US issues alert: Is war imminent?, Al Jazeera, 22 October 2026 (source, opens in a new tab)2Al Jazeera: Iran war live: IRGC threatens US bases if tankers continue 'illegal' routes, Al Jazeera, 22 October 2026 (source, opens in a new tab)3CBS News: Iran War Updates: U.S. reduces troop footprint in Mideast as indirect talks with Iran continue, CBS News, 22 October 2026 (source, opens in a new tab)
Accounts of diplomacy conflict. President Donald Trump said on 21 October that the US is no longer negotiating with Tehran. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said indirect talks through mediators continue on a seven-day ceasefire proposal. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the US would not support any deal giving Iran a pathway to a nuclear weapon. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he had directed the IDF and Mossad to topple Iran's government.Sources:1Al Jazeera: Iran reveals 'offensive' doctrine, US issues alert: Is war imminent?, Al Jazeera, 22 October 2026 (source, opens in a new tab)3CBS News: Iran War Updates: U.S. reduces troop footprint in Mideast as indirect talks with Iran continue, CBS News, 22 October 2026 (source, opens in a new tab)
US officials told CBS News the military has quietly reduced its footprint at some Middle East posts because of threats from Iran and the Houthis; a CENTCOM spokesman declined to discuss troop movements. The Treasury announced new sanctions on a law firm and shipping agents in Singapore and the UAE it accuses of aiding Iranian shipping networks.Sources:3CBS News: Iran War Updates: U.S. reduces troop footprint in Mideast as indirect talks with Iran continue, CBS News, 22 October 2026 (source, opens in a new tab)
Where it happened
Who is involved
- Islamic Revolutionary Guard CorpsSaid it struck four vessels and that three more hit mines; threatened US basesIran's elite military force, including its navySources:2Al Jazeera: Iran war live: IRGC threatens US bases if tankers continue 'illegal' routes, Al Jazeera, 22 October 2026 (source, opens in a new tab)3CBS News: Iran War Updates: U.S. reduces troop footprint in Mideast as indirect talks with Iran continue, CBS News, 22 October 2026 (source, opens in a new tab)
- Hossein MohebiAnnounced an "offensive and asymmetrical" doctrineSpokesman of Iran's Revolutionary Guard
- Donald TrumpSaid the US is no longer negotiating with IranPresident of the United States
- Abbas AraghchiSaid indirect ceasefire talks continueForeign Minister of Iran
- Marco RubioRejected any deal giving Iran a path to a nuclear weaponUS Secretary of State
- Benjamin NetanyahuSaid he directed Israel's security services to topple Iran's governmentPrime Minister of IsraelSources:1Al Jazeera: Iran reveals 'offensive' doctrine, US issues alert: Is war imminent?, Al Jazeera, 22 October 2026 (source, opens in a new tab)3CBS News: Iran War Updates: U.S. reduces troop footprint in Mideast as indirect talks with Iran continue, CBS News, 22 October 2026 (source, opens in a new tab)
- US Central CommandDeclined to discuss a reported drawdown in the regionUS military command for the Middle East
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More from Iran
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