IRGC Announces Explosion of Two Oil Tankers in Strait of Hormuz Due to Naval Mines

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced on Saturday that two oil tankers exploded and caught fire after striking naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz, amidst continuing restrictions imposed by Tehran on navigation through this strategic waterway.

In a statement issued Friday evening, the IRGC Navy said the two tankers attempted to cross the strait secretly via an unauthorized route after turning off their radar and positioning devices, before hitting naval mines and catching fire.

The statement did not reveal the names of the tankers or the countries whose flags they flew, but noted that one was a very large crude carrier (VLCC).

This announcement comes amid ongoing military tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran has restricted ship passage since the outbreak of war with the United States last February.

Tehran requires ships to obtain prior permission to cross the strait, having previously targeted vessels it claimed did not comply with these procedures.

Naval Blockade

In response, the United States has imposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports and begun providing military support to tankers attempting to cross the strait, countering Iranian restrictions that hinder navigation.

Over recent weeks, Iranian armed forces have reported explosions and fires aboard several ships in the strait, attributing most incidents to collisions with naval mines.

On Friday, the IRGC released footage purportedly showing thick smoke rising from a liquefied natural gas carrier after it struck a mine in the southern part of the strait.

Conversely, the US military asserts that it has cleared major shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz of naval mines, highlighting the persistent divergence between American and Iranian narratives regarding the safety of maritime routes.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most critical maritime chokepoints for oil and gas transport, making any disruption to navigation through it a source of concern for energy markets and international trade.