Two Oil Tankers Explode in the Strait of Hormuz

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of Iran has claimed that two oil tankers exploded and subsequently caught fire in the Strait of Hormuz. This information was disclosed by the IRGC Navy in a statement published on Tuesday (November 10) by Iran’s semi-official news agency Tasnim News Agency.

According to the statement, the two tankers were attempting to cross the Strait of Hormuz via an ‘unauthorized’ sea lane. During this attempt, explosions occurred on both vessels, and fire spread. The IRGC claimed that one supertanker was hit by a naval mine, leading to its explosion.

The Iranian forces further alleged that the other tanker was secretly trying to cross the prohibited sea route with the assistance of a U.S. military fighter jet. However, details regarding how the explosion or fire on this particular vessel originated were not provided.

The IRGC claimed that both tankers had turned off their navigation and identification systems before attempting to cross the sea lane. Subsequently, the vessels were seen ablaze near the southern coast of the Strait of Hormuz, the statement added.

However, Iran did not disclose the names of the two ships, their flag state, or their ownership. No information was provided regarding casualties or the condition of the crew. Meanwhile, the U.S. military did not immediately comment on the allegations concerning the involvement of its fighter jets.

The IRGC warned that vessel traffic through unauthorized routes remains unsafe. It stated that attempts to use such routes with the cooperation of the U.S. military could lead to similar consequences.

Tensions surrounding maritime traffic and security in the Strait of Hormuz have persisted since the U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran in February. There are concerns that instability in this crucial waterway, vital for global crude oil and gas transport, could impact international energy supplies.

Source: Anadolu Agency

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