Iran Says Oil Super Tanker Carrying Over 2 Million Barrels Catches Fire After Hitting Naval Mine in Strait of Hormuz
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy on Saturday claimed that a supertanker carrying more than 2 million barrels of crude oil caught fire following a massive explosion after striking a naval mine in the Strait of Hormuz.
According to the IRGC, the vessel was attempting to cross the strategically important waterway through an unauthorised route in violation of Iranian regulations. However, the circumstances surrounding the reported incident have not been independently verified.
In a statement published by Sepah News, the IRGC’s official news outlet, the force alleged that the tanker had attempted to evade Iranian maritime authorities by switching off its GPS and radar systems.
Iran’s state-owned Press TV also reported the allegations, citing the IRGC.
The reported incident comes amid escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, as Tehran steps up efforts to enforce restrictions on maritime traffic through the strategic waterway.
The IRGC has warned vessels against attempting to cross the strait in defiance of Iranian regulations, asserting that the waterway remains closed under Iran’s sovereign decisions and maritime rules.
In a statement, the force warned of severe consequences for vessels violating its restrictions, accusing some operators of acting on what it described as US deception and provocation.
Speaking to state-run IRIB TV on Tuesday, IRGC Navy Commander Ali Azmaei said Iranian forces were monitoring the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz around the clock. Iran’s regular navy, he added, was responsible for overseeing the Gulf of Oman.
Azmaei warned that vessels violating maritime regulations under alleged US influence or provocation would face a decisive response.
Security threats to commercial shipping around the Strait of Hormuz have intensified in recent weeks amid the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel.
Tehran has tightened its control over the waterway since US and Israeli strikes against Iran on February 28, restricting maritime movement in an effort to increase pressure on Washington.
Before the conflict, the Strait of Hormuz handled approximately one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) trade. Any prolonged disruption to shipping through the passage could therefore have serious consequences for global energy supplies and international trade.
Iran has reportedly been adopting new tactics against vessels attempting to navigate the waterway as it seeks to maintain pressure on the United States.
Two senior Iranian officials told Reuters that Tehran was seeking to keep oil prices elevated and influence the upcoming US midterm elections.
The security situation in other major maritime corridors has also deteriorated. In the Black Sea, attacks on cargo vessels have heightened concerns about disruptions to commercial shipping.
Meanwhile, the threat posed by Iran-backed Houthi militants along a key Red Sea shipping route has emerged as another potential risk to international trade.
The latest reported incident comes nearly two days after Iran claimed that a Singapore-flagged cargo ship sank in the Strait of Hormuz after striking a naval mine while travelling along an unauthorised route.
Iranian state television, citing an IRGC statement, reported that the vessel was carrying 2,500 containers.
With tensions continuing to rise and commercial vessels facing growing security risks, concerns are mounting over the potential impact on global shipping, energy prices and supply chains.
