Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced that two oil tankers caught fire overnight in the southern part of the Strait of Hormuz after striking naval mines.
Sea-news.az reports that according to information released by the IRGC Navy, the tankers in question turned off their navigation and automatic identification systems (AIS) and attempted to covertly transit the strait via an unauthorized route.
It is reported that a powerful explosion and fire broke out on the tankers following contact with the mines. Currently, both oil tankers are under the control of the IRGC Navy. The vessels were recorded complying with warnings from the maritime traffic control center and turning back toward the Persian Gulf.
Recall that following the resumption of US strikes on July 8, Iran announced on July 12 that it had reclosed the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran had officially warned that vessels deviating from designated routes and attempting unauthorized passage would be targeted.
