Iranian authorities report fires aboard two tankers and a tug in the Strait of Hormuz

Two tankers and a tug caught fire in the Strait of Hormuz, Iranian media reported on Thursday, citing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The incidents reportedly occurred while the vessels were attempting to transit routes deemed unauthorized by Iranian authorities.

According to the Fars news agency, one of the tankers may have struck a sea mine in a channel south of the strait. In a separate incident, a second, large tanker caught fire while leaving a route in the eastern part of the maritime area.

A tug that approached the second vessel to take part in firefighting operations also caught fire, according to the IRGC. Iranian authorities did not specify the vessels’ identities or flags, or whether there were any casualties. The information has not been independently verified.

The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and is one of the world’s main routes for transporting oil and natural gas. The area has been affected by several maritime incidents in recent months, amid tensions between Iran and the United States.