Iran says it struck navigation systems on Oman’s Didamar Island

Iran says its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps struck navigation infrastructure on Oman’s Didamar Island in the Strait of Hormuz, while Oman confirmed that a loud explosion was detected at a base there. The extent of any damage and the effect on shipping remain unestablished.

Iranian state media said the IRGC targeted and destroyed navigation systems, alleging that personnel on the island were helping what it called enemy shipping. The attribution rests on Iran’s announcement and reporting of statements from unnamed sources; the available accounts do not independently establish who carried out the strike or which equipment, if any, was damaged.

Three sources with knowledge of the matter told Reuters that navigation systems on Didamar had been attacked, but did not provide a damage assessment. Video showed smoke rising from the island, and Copernicus satellite imagery showed thermal activity. Those observations do not identify what was burning or establish damage to particular systems. Satellite imagery dated November 8 also showed apparent scorch marks near radar and radio equipment, but not their cause or effects.

The Institute for the Study of War identified the attack as...