World · World News Bureau
Iran reports two oil tankers damaged after striking mines in strategic waterway
Two crude oil carriers caught fire in the Strait of Hormuz after reportedly hitting mines, according to Iranian authorities. The vessels were said to have deviated from established shipping lanes in the strategically critical chokepoint.
LSN World News ·
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said two tankers, each carrying approximately two million barrels of crude oil, sustained damage after striking mines in the Strait of Hormuz on Friday. The incident occurred as the vessels navigated what authorities characterized as an unauthorised route through the waterway that serves as a critical transit point for global oil supplies.
The tankers caught fire following the reported mine strikes, according to statements from Iranian officials. No immediate reports indicated the scale of damage to the vessels or whether crew members were injured in the incident.
The Strait of Hormuz, located between Iran and Oman, remains one of the world's most strategically important maritime passages. The waterway has witnessed several security incidents in recent years, with tensions between regional powers occasionally disrupting shipping operations and rattling global energy markets.
The incident marks the latest security concern in the gulf region, where shipping vessels regularly face risks from mines and other potential threats. International shipping authorities have previously warned mariners about navigating designated corridors and maintaining vigilance in the contested waters.