Iran’s Guards say mines halted 2 tankers crossing Strait of Hormuz
Iranian Revolutionary Guards said the oil tankers were set ablaze and halted by mines planted by IRGC Navy sailors at an illegal crossing point in the Strait of Hormuz.
On Tuesday, the Iranian Revolutionary Guards disclosed that naval mines had halted two tankers attempting to traverse the Strait of Hormuz via unauthorized routes. According to a statement published on their official Sepah News website, two oil tankers were set ablaze and immobilized as a result of mines planted by the IRGC Navy at a prohibited crossing point in the southern segment of the Strait of Hormuz.
The Guards have, since the onset of the Middle East conflict, persistently targeted vessels endeavoring to pass through Hormuz near the Omani coast. The confrontation commenced on February 28, following the US and Israel's assault on Iran, resulting in the demise of Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and key military officials.
Iran has sought to control the strategic waterway, demanding all ships procure authorization prior to crossing. In times of peace, Hormuz facilitated approximately one-fifth of the global oil supply. The United States has responded by imposing a counterblockade on Iranian ports. On Monday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi once more attributed the region's turmoil to Washington.
In recent days, attacks on ships attempting to cross the waterway have intensified, as the US endeavors to escort more vessels through the strait while Iran endeavors to maintain dominion over passage. Additionally, the Revolutionary Guards announced that they had shot down a US MQ-9 Reaper drone.
Written by urgent.news from Free Malaysia Today's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
Also reported by 1 other outlet
- IRGC says two tankers hit mines, set ablaze south of Hormuz middleeasteye.net
