Oil Tanker Catches Fire After Hitting Mine in Hormuz, Iran Says

Tehran – (Special Correspondent/Web Desk) – Two oil tankers caught fire on Saturday after hitting mine in the Strait of Hormuz, according to Iran’s Revolutionary Guards. The blasts shook one of the world’s busiest oil routes.

The Guards’ navy said both ships had switched off their radar and tracking systems. It claimed they were trying to cross the strait secretly through an unauthorized path.

One of the vessels was a supertanker, the statement said. Officials did not share the names of the ships or where they came from.

Iran’s navy also said one tanker burned after striking a naval mine in the eastern part of the strait. Iranian state media shared the report, and Reuters cited it.

Tehran has demanded that ships get its approval before passing through the strait. This rule began after war broke out with the United States in February. Iran has also attacked vessels that ignored the rule.

In response, the United States placed a naval blockade on Iranian ports. It is also giving military support to tankers that use the waterway.

Over the past few weeks, Iran’s forces have reported many fires and blasts on ships in the strait. They often blame mines for the damage.

On Friday, the Guards released video of thick smoke rising from a ship in the southern part of the strait. They said it carried liquefied gas and hit a mine.

The US military has a different view. It says it has already cleared the main routes in the strait of mines.

The claims from both sides remain unverified, and the tension around this key trade route continues to grow.