Tanker Hits Mine in Strait of Hormuz, Triggering Massive Fire
A major maritime incident has rocked the Strait of Hormuz again. A supertanker carrying 750,000 barrels of crude oil hit a naval mine. The explosion triggered a massive fire inside the ship’s engine room.
This event marks the third tanker explosion along the restricted waterway since October 10. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy confirmed the incident shortly after it occurred.
The targeted vessel was capable of holding two million barrels of oil. Iranian forces claimed the ship attempted to navigate the strait with disabled navigation systems. Furthermore, the crew allegedly ignored multiple warning signals from naval guards.
The IRGC Navy did not disclose the ship’s name, flag, or nationality. However, officials reiterated a strict policy. Any vessel disabling its tracking systems in the area will be classified as hostile. The IRGC statement was quoted by Mehr News Agency.
Tensions in the region remain exceptionally high following several recent attacks. Three days prior, Iranian forces targeted another LNG tanker named NV Sunshine. That incident also caused heavy fire inside the engine room.
Meanwhile, the UK Maritime Transport Office reported an attack off the UAE coast. Security analysts identified that vessel as the Panamanian-flagged tanker GEM NO.2.
These maritime incidents follow US Central Command efforts to clear Iranian mines from international shipping lanes. However, the resulting global energy disruptions have sparked fierce political debate.
US President Donald Trump attributed rising fuel prices to Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries. This stance ignited controversy among political factions regarding foreign policy and trade bans on Russian petroleum products.
