Iran’s IRGC says two tankers caught fire in Hormuz

The Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of Iran reported that two oil tankers caught fire in the Strait of Hormuz, according to state media on Friday. This incident occurred the day after Tehran claimed that five other tankers had similar fates. Since the onset of the Middle East conflict on February 28, Iran has been attempting to restrict traffic through the crucial waterway, which typically transports approximately one-fifth of global oil supply.

In response, the United States has imposed a blockade on Iranian ports and deployed escorts to guide tankers through the strait.

According to the IRGC, the two tankers, one located east of the Strait of Hormuz and the other within the strait itself, were attempting to navigate through an unauthorized route and set off mines. The two vessels had disabled their navigation and identification systems and were making an attempt to exit the Strait of Hormuz, with the support of the aggressive and terrorist American military. However, following a collision with mines, the tankers caught fire and were halted.

On Thursday, Iranian media had reported that five oil tankers and a tugboat had also caught fire in the strait in similar incidents; however, there had been no confirmation of these events from maritime authorities.