Tanker explodes in Strait of Hormuz after hitting naval mine
IRGC navy says the vessel struck a mine after turning off navigation systems while following an unauthorized route.
An oil tanker exploded in the Strait of Hormuz after striking a naval mine, the Navy of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said. The blast triggered a large fire aboard the vessel.
The statement said the tanker had attempted to transit the strait along an unauthorized route and that it had deliberately switched off all positioning systems and radars in an apparent effort to mislead Iranian maritime authorities.
The navy added that the crew’s decision to disable navigation and surveillance equipment contributed directly to the incident: "The ship was trying to transit the strait with the support and protection of the army of American smugglers and terrorists."
Damage and response
The explosion is reported to have been catastrophic, with an intense blaze consuming parts of the tanker. Iranian naval units responded at the scene, according to the statement, but officials did not provide details on casualties or the identity of the vessel.
Authorities said the tanker was moving along a route that had not been authorized by local maritime controllers. Investigators are expected to examine whether the disabled systems and the unauthorized course were deliberate actions that led to the mine strike and subsequent explosion.
The incident adds to continuing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic chokepoint for global oil shipments, where the presence of mines and regional naval activity has previously caused international concern.
Photo: press material from the event
