Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy has claimed that an oil supertanker carrying around two million barrels of crude oil struck a sea mine and caught fire while attempting to navigate the Strait of Hormuz through what it described as an unauthorised route.
The incident triggered a powerful explosion and a major fire aboard the vessel, according to a statement issued by the IRGC Navy.
The force claimed that the tanker had switched off its navigation, tracking and positioning systems before attempting to cross the strategic waterway through an unauthorised passage.
The IRGC also alleged that the vessel’s manoeuvre was supported by the US military, although it provided no independently verified evidence for the claim.
Warning against unauthorised passage, the IRGC Navy declared that the Strait of Hormuz remained closed and cautioned vessels against violating the regulations imposed by Iranian authorities.
It further warned that ships attempting to transit the strait with US military support would face serious consequences.
The claims could not be independently verified. The vessel’s identity, flag, ownership, the extent of the damage and any possible casualties were not immediately confirmed.
The Strait of Hormuz is a strategically important waterway for global energy supplies, serving as a major route for crude oil and other petroleum shipments. Disruptions to shipping through the strait can raise concerns about energy supply security and international oil markets.