Iran’s Guards say mines hit three tankers south of Hormuz

Iranian account

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy said three oil tankers hit sea mines, exploded and caught fire south of the Strait of Hormuz. IRNA and LBCI reported that the statement was carried by Iranian state media on Thursday. The tankers were allegedly trying to travel through a route that Iranian authorities had not authorized.

WTOP reported that the Iranian navy accused the vessels of turning off radar and navigation systems and disregarding warnings as they approached a restricted exit. The Iranian account said the damaged ships were subsequently left off the waterway’s southern coast. It did not identify the tankers or provide information about casualties.

Separate vessel fire reported

The Associated Press was unable to immediately verify Iran’s claims, according to WTOP. In a separate notice on Thursday, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations Center said a vessel transiting the strait had observed another vessel burning. UKMTO had no information about the crew’s condition or the severity of that vessel’s damage. No connection between the sighting and the three tankers reported by Iran had been established.

Transit restrictions

Iran requires vessels using the strait to contact its authorities and travel along specified routes, according to WTOP. The Revolutionary Guards maintain that mines have been placed along other routes. Lloyd’s List Intelligence said tankers have continued moving oil through the strait with US military protection amid a recent increase in attacks.