Iran Reports Tanker Fire in Hormuz

An oil tanker caught fire after striking a naval mine in the Strait of Hormuz, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said on Monday.

Iranian state media reported that the tanker had entered a prohibited southern route through the strait before hitting the mine, triggering an explosion and a fire in its engine room.

“An oil tanker, which was in violation, struck a naval mine south of the Strait of Hormuz, resulting in an explosion and a fire in its engine room,” Iranian state media quoted the Guards as saying.

The Guards also claimed the vessel had switched off its positioning and navigation systems while travelling through the area.

The incident follows a similar report on Sunday, when the IRGC said two oil tankers caught fire after striking mines in the strait.

The latest incidents come as Iran tightens its control over the vital shipping corridor following the outbreak of war involving the United States and Israel in late February.

The Strait of Hormuz is a major global energy transit route, normally carrying about one-fifth of the world’s oil supplies. Restrictions on shipping through the passage have raised concerns about disruptions to international energy markets.

Tehran has demanded that vessels obtain its authorisation before crossing the strait.

IRGC naval commander Admiral Ali Ozmaei warned this week that ships disabling their navigation systems would be treated as hostile.

Meanwhile, the United States has imposed a naval counter-blockade targeting Iranian oil exports in response to Tehran’s restrictions on the waterway.