Two oil tankers caught fire in the Strait of Hormuz after striking naval mines, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said on Sunday, according to state media reports. The Guards said the vessels were engulfed in intense flames.
The Guards did not identify the name or nationality of the tankers. Tehran has made several similar announcements in recent weeks about ships catching fire in the strait.
Iran’s restrictions and the US response in Hormuz
Since the Iran war broke out in late February, Tehran has severely restricted traffic through the waterway, insisting that vessels use routes it authorises. The strait normally carries about one-fifth of global oil consumption.
Also read: South Korea to send naval mission to protect Hormuz shipping
In response, the United States has imposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports and helped tankers transit the strait. US Central Command said last month that it had helped Gulf countries export 1.5 billion barrels of oil via Hormuz since the summer, and recently said all mines had been cleared from the waterway.
Revolutionary Guards accuse tankers of violating rules
In a statement, the Guard Corps, the ideological arm of Iran’s military, said the two tankers were violating regulations by attempting to cross unauthorised routes. The statement said the ships had reportedly switched off their navigation and positioning systems.
Separately, state media reported late on Saturday that explosion-like sounds were heard in parts of the country. The news agency said the sounds were heard in Qeshm, Sirik, Jask and Bandar Abbas, and that the cause remained unknown. Officials confirmed an impact in the port city of Jask.
US President Donald Trump had previously discussed the possibility of resuming heavy strikes on Iran but has since backed away from the idea. The US military has nonetheless carried out occasional limited strikes.
