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Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claimed that an oil tanker carrying over two million barrels of crude oil caught fire after hitting a mine while crossing the Strait of Hormuz.
Oil Tanker Hits Naval Mine In Strait Of Hormuz.
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An oil supertanker carrying more than two million barrels of crude oil caught fire after reportedly hitting a naval mine while attempting to cross the Strait of Hormuz, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said on Saturday.
According to a statement issued by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the vessel attempted to pass through the strategic waterway using a route that Iranian authorities had not authorised. The collision triggered an explosion and a fire on board, the Guards claimed.
The IRGC also accused the tanker of switching off its tracking systems while attempting to cross the strait with US support. However, the statement did not identify the vessel or specify its exact location.
Tanker Used Unauthorised Route
In its statement, the Revolutionary Guards said the supertanker was carrying over two million barrels of crude oil and had attempted to pass through the Strait of Hormuz without following the route approved by Iran.
The Guards alleged that the vessel had deactivated its tracking systems to avoid detection. They also claimed it was attempting to cross the waterway with US support.
The statement did not provide details about the vessel’s owner, its flag or the condition of its crew. The extent of the damage caused by the reported explosion was also not specified.
Iran Tightens Control Over Strait Of Hormuz
Iran has tightened its control over the Strait of Hormuz since the war began in late February, demanding that ships obtain its authorisation before passing through the waterway.
The strait lies between Iran to the north and Oman to the south. At its narrowest point, it is around 30 kilometres wide and serves as a major route for global oil shipments.
The waterway normally carries about one-fifth of the world’s oil consumption, making any disruption to shipping a concern for international energy markets.
US Imposes Naval Counter-Blockade
In response to Iran’s restrictions on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, the United States has imposed its own naval counter-blockade on Iranian oil exports.
Tensions between Washington and Tehran have continued over control of the strategic passage and the movement of commercial vessels through the region.
Earlier this week, the Guards’ naval commander, Admiral Ali Ozmai, warned that vessels switching off their navigation systems would be considered hostile.
The latest reported incident adds to concerns over maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, where restrictions and military tensions have disrupted shipping.
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Ask News18Iran’s Revolutionary Guards reported that an oil supertanker caught fire and exploded after hitting a naval mine while attempting to cross the Strait of Hormuz. The vessel was allegedly using an unauthorized route and had deactivated its tracking systems.
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Pragya Bahuguna is a digital journalist at News18.com, covering national and international news, including Indian politics and geopolitics, with an interest in environment and climate affairs. She hol…Read More
October 17, 2026, 6:45 PM IST
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