Strait Of Hormuz Tensions Escalate As Iran Claims Two Oil Tankers Hit Naval Mines

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) navy has claimed that two oil tankers exploded and caught fire after hitting naval mines while attempting to cross the Strait of Hormuz through an unauthorised route.

In a statement published on its official news outlet, Sepah News, on Friday night local time, the IRGC identified one vessel as a supertanker. It claimed that both ships had switched off their radar and navigation systems before entering the restricted route.

The Iranian force warned shipowners and shipping companies against allowing vessels to cross the strait without coordinating with its traffic-control centre. It said ships that ignored Iranian regulations and warnings could face similar consequences.

Iran tightened its control over the strategically important waterway on February 28, restricting safe passage for vessels linked to Israel and the United States following joint strikes on Iranian territory.

The latest claim follows a similar announcement by the Iranian Army on Thursday.

The army said two oil tankers caught fire after entering a prohibited area east of the Strait of Hormuz and hitting naval mines. It alleged that the vessels had switched off their radar systems and ignored warnings before entering the unsafe zone.

The IRGC claimed that explosions disabled two supertankers carrying over four million barrels of oil on Wednesday night after they ignored warnings about an unauthorised route.

Army Chief Amir Hatami warned that any fresh attack on Iran would invite a stronger military response. He reaffirmed the armed forces’ readiness to counter threats.

The incidents have raised concerns over security in the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil shipments.

Also Read: FAA Orders Nationwide Ground Stop As Communication Outage Hits US Air Traffic Centres