Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said on Tuesday that naval mines they had planted halted two oil tankers attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz by routes Tehran considers illegal. According to the force, both vessels were set ablaze after the explosions.
The Guards described the incident in a statement published on their official Sepah News website. It said the mines were laid by IRGC Navy sailors at an illegal crossing point in the southern part of the strait.
Attacks on ships using the southern Hormuz route
Since the Middle East war began, Iranian forces have repeatedly targeted vessels taking a southern path close to the Omani coast. The conflict started on February 28, when the United States and Israel attacked Iran, killing supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and senior military commanders.
Tehran has sought to blockade the waterway and demands that every ship obtain its authorisation to cross. Before the fighting, around a fifth of the world’s oil supplies passed through Hormuz. In response, the United States has imposed a counter blockade on Iranian ports.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi blamed Washington again on Monday for insecurity in the strait. Attacks have risen in recent days as Washington seeks to escort more ships, while Tehran wants to keep control over passage.
The Guards also said they had shot down a US MQ-9 Reaper drone. On Monday, they said a tanker caught fire after hitting a mine, and the day before they reported two other tankers had struck mines.
Pakistan’s army chief visits Tehran to revive talks
CDF Field Marshal Asim Munir arrived in Tehran on Tuesday. Iranian authorities said the visit aims to revive Islamabad’s efforts to mediate an end to the Middle East war.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said in a statement that the meeting would touch on negotiations but focus mainly on bilateral relations and strengthening cooperation between the two countries. The visit had not been confirmed from Pakistan’s side, according to international wire reporting.
