A super tanker carrying more than two million barrels of oil has caught fire following a massive explosion caused by a sea mine in the Strait of Hormuz, according to a statement released Saturday by Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). While the exact location of the vessel remains unconfirmed, Iranian state media shared a video from the Fars news agency that appears to show the tanker engulfed in flames.
The IRGC navy alleged that the vessel was attempting to transit through an unauthorized route. Furthermore, officials accused the crew of intentionally deactivating the ship's radar and positioning systems to evade detection. In their statement, the IRGC navy warned that the Strait of Hormuz is closed, adding that those who defy Iranian regulations will face the consequences of what they described as the fire of trust in the terrorist US army.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical global chokepoint for oil and gas, typically facilitating approximately 25% of the world’s seaborne oil trade. Tensions in the region have remained elevated since the outbreak of the Iran war in late February. Iran has effectively restricted passage through the waterway following strikes by the US and Israel, which subsequently led the United States to impose a naval blockade on Iranian ports.
The US military has consistently challenged claims that the IRGC maintains control over the Strait. Admiral Brad Cooper, the commander of US Central Command (CENTCOM), stated on Friday that US forces continue to collaborate with regional allies and shipping industry partners to ensure the protection of vessels. Cooper emphasized that the Strait remains open for business, asserting that it is controlled by the United States and its partners rather than Iran, despite what he termed unwarranted IRGC aggression.
