Oil tanker ablaze after striking mine in Strait of Hormuz

An oil tanker erupted in flames following what Iranian officials described as a mine strike in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most critical petroleum transit routes. Iran's Revolutionary Guards Corps said the vessel was operating in an unauthorised southern route through the waterway when the incident occurred.

According to statements from Iranian authorities, the tanker had disabled its automatic positioning and navigation systems at the time of the accident. The Guards did not provide additional details regarding the origin of the mine or the circumstances that led to the vessel adopting the unauthorised route.

The Strait of Hormuz, which separates Iran from Oman, is a vital chokepoint for global oil supplies, with roughly one-third of all seaborne traded petroleum passing through its waters. The waterway has faced periodic security concerns, with multiple shipping incidents reported over recent years.

No immediate reports indicated casualties from the incident, though authorities were working to address the fire aboard the tanker. The exact identity of the vessel and its cargo manifest were not immediately disclosed by Iranian officials.