Strait of Hormuz conflict: Oman rescues sailors as Iran claims tankers hit mines

MUSCAT, Oct 31 — Oman rescued 25 sailors from a merchant ship that caught fire during an attack, while Iran reported three oil tankers were halted while crossing the Strait of Hormuz. The Middle East war, which began on February 28 with US-Israeli strikes on Iran, has seen the narrow waterway become a focal point of conflict. The strait, responsible for carrying roughly a fifth of global oil, has frequently witnessed ships coming under Iranian fire.

Oman's navy conducted an evacuation operation for the crew members of the Panamanian-flagged merchant ship RITI, which suffered a blaze onboard. The Omani Maritime Security Centre stated that the crew members received medical care. US Central Command chief Brad Cooper reported that US forces had cleared the strait's internationally recognized primary transit routes of Iranian sea mines.

He added that the US remains present to ensure the free flow of traffic through the strait. A British maritime security agency reported that a vessel 40 nautical miles south of Lavan island in Iran was struck by an unknown projectile, leading to a fire onboard. The crew was reported safe, and there was no environmental impact. Iran's Revolutionary Guards claimed that three oil tankers were halted after encountering unspecified incidents or mines.

The Guards criticized the vessels for attempting to pass through an unauthorized route and disregarding radio warnings. Iran has demanded vessels use a designated route and coordinate passage with Iran's armed forces. The United States has counterblocked Iranian ports, further limiting Tehran's ability to export oil and conduct trade.