Iran Reports Oil Tanker Blaze After Naval Mine Strike Near Hormuz Strait

Iran’s Army Navy announced on Wednesday that an oil tanker had caught fire after reportedly hitting naval mines in waters east of the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian authorities described the vessel as a ‘violating’ tanker operating inside a prohibited maritime zone.

A military statement, cited by Xinhua news agency, said the incident took place during the early hours of Wednesday. The tanker was reportedly navigating through waters that Tehran considers ‘unsafe and forbidden’.

The Iranian Navy maintained that its forces were keeping watch over the eastern section of the strategic waterway. It further stated that ships must coordinate their passage with the Iranian armed forces and observe the country’s maritime regulations.

Meanwhile, the Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, Ali Abdollahi, delivered a warning to the United States and Israel against undertaking further actions that could escalate tensions.

In a statement reported by Iranian media, Abdollahi cautioned that any location used to threaten the Islamic Republic’s existence would face direct attacks through asymmetric military operations.

He also declared that Iran’s armed forces would follow instructions from Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei without delay.

IRGC Claims Two Tankers Caught Fire

The development follows another announcement by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy on Tuesday concerning two oil tankers travelling along what it termed an unauthorised route through the Strait of Hormuz.

The IRGC claimed that both ships had disabled their navigation and identification systems before explosions and fires brought their journeys to a halt.

According to its statement, one tanker struck naval mines, while the second vessel caught fire during an incident involving what the force described as assistance from US fighter aircraft.

The IRGC Navy cautioned that ships attempting to navigate the restricted corridor with US military support could encounter similar consequences.

Iran imposed tighter restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz on February 28, preventing vessels associated with Israel and the United States from enjoying safe passage following joint military strikes against Iranian territory.

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