New Delhi: Two oil tankers exploded and caught fire after allegedly striking naval mines while attempting to cross the Strait of Hormuz without authorization, Iran’s navy said. The announcement was followed by a separate warning from Iran’s regular navy after another tanker reportedly struck a mine in a restricted maritime zone.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy said the two tankers were attempting to pass through the southern Strait of Hormuz without coordinating with Iranian authorities, Anadolu Ajansi reported.
The IRGC Navy said the vessels had switched off their radar and positioning systems while attempting to cross the waterway. It did not identify the tankers or provide details about their ownership, nationalities or the damage caused.
The force also warned shipping companies against attempting to transit the strait without coordinating with its Traffic Control Centre and following arrangements laid down by Iranian authorities.
Iran’s navy reports another tanker incident
On Saturday, Iran’s regular navy issued a separate warning to commercial vessels against entering a restricted maritime zone east of the Strait of Hormuz. The warning followed an incident in which another oil tanker reportedly struck a naval mine and caught fire after entering the prohibited area despite previous warnings, ISNA reported.
The Iranian navy said the vessel had disabled its tracking and identification systems while navigating the restricted zone. It warned that tankers entering the area could face a similar outcome.
In its statement, the navy also criticized shipowners for relying on assurances from the US president, Donald Trump, while sending their vessels through the restricted waters.
Strait of Hormuz remains a conflict flashpoint
The incidents come amid continuing military tensions involving Iran, the US and Israel. Iran has imposed restrictions on maritime movement through the Strait of Hormuz following the US-Israeli military campaign against the country, which began on February 28.
Tehran has maintained that commercial vessels must coordinate their passage with Iranian maritime authorities. The restrictions have made the waterway a major point of concern for international shipping.
The Strait of Hormuz is a vital link between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, a key passage for oil shipments around the world. More disruption to commercial traffic could affect energy supplies and maritime trade.