Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps reported Thursday that two oil tankers and a tugboat caught fire in separate incidents in the Strait of Hormuz after the vessels tried to use routes Tehran has banned.
One tanker struck a naval mine while crossing a passage south of the strait, according to the IRGC. A second supertanker caught fire while exiting the eastern part of the waterway, and a tugboat that approached to assist also ignited.
Iranian state media later reported additional incidents, bringing the total to five tankers damaged by mines in the area east of the strait. The IRGC and Iran's regular army issued the statements through official channels including Fars and IRNA.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical chokepoint for global oil supplies, normally carrying about one-fifth of world consumption. Tehran has restricted traffic since the outbreak of conflict with the United States and Israel in late February.
The United States has responded by imposing a blockade on Iranian ports and assisting tankers transiting the strait. UK Maritime Trade Operations separately reported a tanker struck by two unidentified projectiles 50 nautical miles north of Madinat ash Shamal, Qatar, though details on crew and damage remain limited.
Attacks on vessels in the region have increased in recent weeks. Iranian forces have repeatedly accused ships of ignoring warnings and using prohibited passages, often with transponders disabled.
Oil markets have shown volatility amid the ongoing tensions, with flows from the Middle East dipping in October compared to September peaks. No independent verification of the latest claims was immediately available from Western sources.
Comments
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.