US military disputes Iranian claims over tanker damage in Hormuz Strait

CENTCOM officials disputed claims made by the IRGC regarding the El Gaia supertanker, which the Iranian military alleged struck mines while transiting the contested waterway. The disagreement underscores rising tensions over maritime security in one of the world's most critical shipping lanes, through which approximately one-third of global seaborne oil passes.

The El Gaia, a large crude carrier flying a Panamanian flag, reportedly experienced damage while navigating the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian officials attributed the incident to contact with naval mines, though CENTCOM has contested this narrative without providing detailed alternative explanations for the vessel's reported damage.

The conflicting accounts highlight persistent disputes between the US military and Iranian forces over incidents in the Persian Gulf region. The Strait of Hormuz remains a flashpoint for geopolitical tensions, with Iran and Western naval forces maintaining competing security operations in the waterway.

Oil tankers transiting the region have faced repeated incidents over recent years, including attacks attributed by various parties to Iranian-aligned forces and regional instability. Shipping companies and insurers have closely monitored developments in the area due to the potential impact on global energy markets and maritime commerce.