Iran escalates in Hormuz, claims strike on Omani island it says 'enemy' uses for US military ops

Detailed summary

Iran claims its Revolutionary Guard struck navigation equipment on Oman's Didamar Island in the Strait of Hormuz, but Omani officials dispute damage.

The IRGC reported a strike against ‘enemy navigation aid systems,’ radar and communications equipment located on Didamar Island in Hormuz (Credit: Reuters).

Iran claims it struck a small Omani island in the Strait of Hormuz, targeting oil tanker navigation infrastructure as CENTCOM maintains its blockade of Iranian ports and protects commercial shipping from Iranian attacks along the southern route.

Three sources also confirmed to Reuters Wednesday that navigation systems and communications equipment on Didamar Island, also known as Little Quoin Island, had been attacked, raising concerns about the vulnerability of maritime infrastructure used to maintain oil shipments through the Gulf.

Iran's semiofficial Fars News Agency reported that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) navy targeted the island, alleging the systems were being used to help vessels transit the strait without Tehran's authorization.

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A satellite image shows Didamar Island, Oman (Google/Airbus/Handout via Reuters)

Iranian state television also claimed that personnel and equipment on the island "were helping the flow of oil smuggling by the enemy," with the IRGC maintaining it had carried out the strikes, Reuters reported.

Video published by Reuters showed smoke rising near the rocky outcrop.

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) said it identified the attack as occurring Nov. 8, before Iranian state media claimed responsibility on Nov. 10.

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