U.S. intercepts Iranian tankers

Explosions were reported overnight in eastern and western parts of Tehran, according to eyewitness accounts cited by Iran International, though there was no immediate official confirmation of the cause. The reported areas included Pardis in eastern Tehran and Chitgar in the west.

At the same time, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said they were ready to carry out “surprise operations” beyond the enemy’s calculations. In a statement carried by Tasnim, the IRGC said it was prepared to use new capabilities on the battlefield and respond to further threats.

Separately, Reuters reported that U.S. forces had intercepted at least three Iranian oil tankers in Asian waters near India, Malaysia and Sri Lanka. The vessels identified by Reuters were Deep Sea, Sevin and Dorena, while a fourth tanker, Derya, may also have been intercepted.

Reuters said some of the tankers were carrying Iranian crude and that the interceptions were carried out away from the Strait of Hormuz, where U.S. forces were seeking to reduce the risk posed by floating mines and further escalation.

Aytaj