Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy has claimed that an oil supertanker exploded and caught fire after striking a naval mine in the Strait of Hormuz, amid escalating tensions over access to the strategic waterway. According to a statement carried by Iranian media, including the semi-official Tasnim News Agency, the vessel was attempting to transit the strait through a route that Iranian authorities had not authorised. The IRGC said the tanker was carrying more than two million barrels of crude oil when it struck the mine, triggering a major explosion and fire. The force described the vessel as a “rogue” tanker and alleged that it had switched off its positioning, navigation and radar systems. Iranian officials further claimed that the vessel attempted to cross the waterway with US military support rather than coordinate with Iranian authorities. The claims have not been independently verified. The IRGC statement did not identify the tanker, its owner or its flag. It also provided no details about possible casualties or the extent of the damage. Iran issues warning over Strait of Hormuz Following the reported incident, the IRGC Navy declared the Strait of Hormuz closed and warned vessels against crossing the waterway in violation of Iranian regulations. The force threatened that ships ignoring its rules could face destruction, using the phrase “consumed by the fire” in its statement. The announcement adds to uncertainty over commercial shipping in the strait, a critical passage for international oil and gas supplies. Maritime traffic has faced severe disruption amid the conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel, which began with US and Israeli attacks on Iran on 28 February. The status of individual shipping routes and the practical enforcement of Iran’s restrictions remain important concerns for commercial operators and energy markets. Separate tanker incident reported near Saudi Arabia In a separate incident, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that an oil tanker had been struck by an unidentified projectile approximately 68 nautical miles north-east of Jubail, Saudi Arabia. According to reports citing UKMTO, the crew were safe and had been evacuated. The extent of the damage and any environmental impact were not immediately established. The available information did not establish a connection between the projectile strike near Saudi Arabia and the explosion reported by Iran in the Strait of Hormuz. The incidents underline the security risks facing commercial vessels operating across the Gulf region. Any further restrictions or attacks affecting shipping could complicate energy transportation and add to uncertainty in international oil markets. Post navigation Ukraine Patriot Missiles Shortage leaves country vulnerable to Russian attacks
