Accra:Strait of Hormuz An oil supertanker exploded after hitting a naval mine while attempting to leave the Strait of Hormuz through an unauthorized southern route, according to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
According to Anadolu Agency, the IRGC reported that the supertanker, which can carry approximately 2 million barrels of oil, had turned off its navigation systems before trying to cross the vital waterway. The explosion, caused by the mine, was visible from the coastal areas.
The IRGC issued a warning stating, "the fate of every vessel that ignores the rules in the Strait of Hormuz is a horrific fire." However, details regarding the identity of the vessel, its crew, or any casualties have not been disclosed.
The incident comes after Iranian state television, a day prior, reported heavy explosions in the strait. Military sources suggested that oil tankers using unauthorized routes, as defined by Tehran, might have struck mines in the southern passage.
Iran had announced the re-closure of the Strait of Hormuz on July 12, following resumption of US attacks on July 8. Tehran has also issued threats to target vessels that use routes not designated by Iranian authorities or attempt to transit without permission.
The US and Israel initiated a conflict with Iran on February 28, resulting in over 3,000 deaths, according to Tehran. Iran responded with attacks on American and Israeli targets until a ceasefire was reached in April. Despite a memorandum of understanding signed in mid-June, US strikes on Iranian sites continued, as negotiations between Washington and Tehran remained stalled. The disagreements center around navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial shipping route for global energy and commodity supplies.