Iran says multiple oil tankers strike mines, catch fire in Strait of Hormuz
The IRGC Navy said one of the vessels, carrying more than 2 million barrels of crude oil, struck a naval mine, triggering a powerful explosion and a fire.
Iran's Revolutionary Guards Navy reported that four oil tankers caught fire in the Strait of Hormuz after colliding with naval mines while allegedly traversing unauthorized routes, according to Iranian state media. One tanker, carrying over 2 million barrels of crude oil, suffered a significant explosion and caught ablaze. The UK Maritime Trade Operations agency confirmed receiving reports of a tanker struck by an unidentified projectile in the Strait, resulting in a fire on board.
The incident occurred approximately 40 nautical miles south of Iran's Lavan Island. The vessel's identity remains uncertain. These events unfold amidst heightened tensions in the Strait, following US-Israeli strikes on Iran in late February. The narrow waterway, a crucial global energy artery, transits about one-fifth of the world's oil supplies.
Any disruption in shipping through the strait could have far-reaching consequences for global energy markets.
Written by urgent.news from Hindustan Times - World News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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