Iran says supertanker carrying 2 million barrels of oil on fire after hitting sea mine in Strait of Hormuz | Today’s news
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy said on Saturday that a supertanker carrying more than 2 million barrels of oil suffered a massive explosion and burst into flames after hitting a naval mine while attempting to cross the Strait of Hormuz.
According to a statement released by Sepah News, the IRGC’s official news channel, the vessel attempted to pass through the strategic waterway through an “unauthorized” route, in violation of Iranian regulations.
Iran’s state-run Press TV said the IRGC accused the tanker of deliberately turning off its GPS and radar systems in an alleged attempt to deceive Iran’s maritime authorities.
The circumstances of the reported event have not been independently verified.
Iran warns vessels against violating its maritime rules
The reported explosion comes at a time of heightened tensions in the Strait of Hormuz as Tehran steps up efforts to enforce restrictions on shipping through the strategic waterway.
The IRGC has warned vessels against attempting to cross the strait in violation of Iranian regulations, saying the waterway remains closed according to Tehran’s sovereign decisions and maritime rules.
In a statement, the force warned of serious consequences for vessels violating its restrictions, linking the attempts to what it described as deception and provocation by the US.
IRGC Navy Commander Ali Azmaei told state-run IRIB TV on Tuesday that his forces continuously monitor the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, while the Iranian Navy is responsible for surveillance of the Gulf of Oman.
Azmaei warned that vessels violating shipping regulations in what he described as deception or provocation of the US would face a decisive response.
Iran has strengthened its control over the Strait of Hormuz
Security threats to commercial shipping around the Strait of Hormuz have intensified in recent weeks as the conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel continues to disrupt regional shipping.
Tehran tightened its control over the strait after US and Israeli strikes against Iran on February 28, restricting maritime traffic in a bid to gain leverage over Washington.
Before the conflict, the Strait of Hormuz carried around one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas trade, so any prolonged disruption posed a significant risk to energy supplies and international shipping.
Iran is also adopting new tactics against vessels attempting to pass through the waterway as it seeks to keep pressure on the United States.
Two senior Iranian officials told Reuters that Tehran was seeking to keep oil prices elevated and influence the US midterm elections.
Threats extend beyond the Strait of Hormuz
In the Black Sea, deteriorating security conditions and attacks on cargo vessels have added to fears of disruption to commercial shipping.
Meanwhile, the threat posed by Iran-backed Houthi militants along a key shipping route in the Red Sea has created another potential hotspot for international trade.
The latest incident also comes nearly two days after Iran said a Singapore-flagged cargo ship sank in the Strait of Hormuz after hitting a sea mine while traveling on an unauthorized route.
Iranian state television, citing an IRGC statement, said the vessel was carrying 2,500 containers.
With input from agencies.
