Iran: An oil tanker struck a mine and caught fire in the Strait of Hormuz

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced on Monday that an oil tanker struck a sea mine in the Strait of Hormuz, causing an explosion and a fire in the engine room. The incident took place in a strategic area for the global transport of hydrocarbons, at the center of tensions between Washington and Tehran.

According to the statement broadcast by the Iranian IRNA news agency, the vessel was attempting to cross the strait along an unauthorized route, in the southern part, and had disabled its positioning and identification systems. The IRGC did not provide information about the tanker’s name, flag, or any possible casualties.

The Revolutionary Guards warned that any vessel transiting the Strait of Hormuz with its navigation systems disabled would be subject to “severe and firm measures.” Iran claims control over the area and maintains that vessels crossing it without authorization violate its laws.