IRGC Announces Explosion of Giant Oil Tanker South of Strait of Hormuz

The public relations office of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps' Navy announced the explosion and subsequent fire of a giant oil tanker south of the Strait of Hormuz, following its collision with a naval mine, according to a statement published by Iranian media outlets.

A Navy statement issued on Tuesday evening noted that the tanker was carrying more than two million barrels of crude oil. It stated that the vessel had turned off all radar and navigation systems and attempted to leave the area via an unauthorized southern route, despite warnings that the Navy claimed it had directed at the ship.

The statement added that the tanker exploded after hitting a naval mine, without providing further details regarding its name, nationality, or the extent of potential damage and human casualties.

The IRGC Navy warned ship owners and crews in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman against crossing routes it describes as unauthorized, emphasizing that any movements ignoring the security measures it imposes in the Strait of Hormuz will be met, in its words, with firm action.

The announcement did not include independent information confirming the circumstances of the incident or identifying the tanker, nor did it provide details about the fate of its crew.