Iran’s IRGC Navy claims a supertanker carrying more than 2 million barrels of crude oil struck a naval mine in the Strait of Hormuz, but the incident remains independently unverified.
TEHRAN: Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy has claimed that another oil tanker struck a naval mine while attempting to cross the Strait of Hormuz, triggering an explosion and a major fire aboard the vessel.
According to Iran’s state news agency IRNA, the incident occurred Friday as a supertanker attempted to navigate the southern passage of the strategically important waterway, which Iranian authorities had declared an unauthorised route.
The IRGC Navy’s public relations department said the vessel was carrying more than 2 million barrels of crude oil when the incident occurred. Iranian officials described it as the fourth incident of its kind involving vessels attempting to cross the restricted passage.
According to the Iranian military, the tanker had received repeated radio warnings against using the route. However, the vessel allegedly ignored those warnings and continued its journey before striking a naval mine.
The collision reportedly caused a powerful explosion, followed by a fire that engulfed parts of the tanker. Iranian authorities presented the incident as another indication of the security risks facing commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz amid escalating regional tensions.
However, the reported incident has not been independently verified. The identity of the tanker, its ownership, the condition of its crew and the extent of the damage remained unclear in the immediate aftermath.
The latest claim has raised further concerns about the safety of international maritime traffic through one of the world’s most important energy corridors, which connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea.
The Strait of Hormuz serves as a critical export route for oil-producing countries in the Middle East. Millions of barrels of crude oil pass through the narrow waterway, making it essential to global energy supplies.
Any disruption to shipping operations in the area could have consequences for international oil markets, fuel prices and energy security. Commercial vessels operating in the region also face potential risks from naval mines and attacks, which can disrupt supply chains and increase transportation and insurance costs.
The reported mine strike comes as maritime movements through the strategically sensitive passage remain under scrutiny. Shipping companies and energy traders are closely monitoring developments that could affect the movement of oil tankers and other commercial vessels.
The incident’s reported scale, involving a vessel allegedly carrying more than 2 million barrels of crude oil, has added to concerns over the potential consequences of further disruptions.
With key details still unconfirmed, questions remain over the vessel’s condition, the safety of its crew and the circumstances surrounding the reported explosion.
The situation highlights the continuing uncertainty surrounding maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, where any escalation could affect international shipping and global energy markets.
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