Super tanker ablaze after striking mine in Strait of Hormuz, IRGC says
The IRGC navy accused the tanker of having turned off its positioning and radar systems in an effort to evade detection.
A super tanker caught fire after colliding with a mine in the Strait of Hormuz, according to Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on Saturday. The tanker, carrying over two million barrels of oil, struck the mine while attempting to navigate through an unauthorized route in the Strait, resulting in a massive explosion and fierce fire.
The location of the incident remains unclear, but Iran's Fars news agency shared a video of the burning vessel. The IRGC navy accused the tanker of disabling its positioning and radar systems to avoid detection. The Strait of Hormuz, a crucial chokepoint for oil and gas transit, has become a focal point of tensions between the United States and Iran since the Iran war began in late February.
Iran effectively closed the Strait, which typically accommodates around 25% of global seaborne oil trade, following US and Israeli strikes on the country. In response, the US imposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports. US Central Command (CENTCOM) Commander Admiral Brad Cooper stated that US forces, along with regional allies and partners in the shipping industry, are working to protect vessels navigating the Strait.
Cooper emphasized that the Strait of Hormuz is controlled by the United States and its regional partners, not Iran, and reiterated that the Strait remains open for business.
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