Two oil tankers explode after hitting mine in Hormuz Strait, IRGC says
Key Points:
- Two oil tankers exploded after hitting Iranian naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz, according to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy spokesperson, who stated the vessels were on unauthorized routes and had disabled navigation systems.
- One of the tankers, described as a supertanker, caught fire following a powerful explosion, and both vessels were halted after the incident.
- The UK Maritime and Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported a separate tanker was hit by an unknown projectile in the Strait of Hormuz, highlighting ongoing security threats in this vital oil transit route.
- The IRGC claimed responsibility for recent attacks, including the destruction of a US unmanned vessel, accusing the tankers of violating regulations and ignoring warnings while attempting covert passage.
- Iran warned that any unauthorized or provocative actions in the Strait of Hormuz will be met with decisive and proportionate responses, emphasizing its control over the strategic waterway amid tensions with the US.