The key facts

  • The IRGC Navy reports that a supertanker carrying more than 2 million barrels of oil hit a mine south of the Strait of Hormuz
  • According to the IRGC, the vessel switched off its radar and navigation systems and was traveling along an 'unauthorized southern route,' ignoring warnings
  • The ship's name, flag, crew details, information about casualties, and the extent of damage have not been disclosed

IRGC Navy statement on the tanker explosion

A supertanker carrying more than 2 million barrels of crude oil exploded and caught fire after hitting a naval mine south of the Strait of Hormuz, the Navy of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) reported on Tuesday. The statement was released through the state broadcaster IRIB.

Claims of violations by the vessel

According to the IRGC Navy, the vessel was committing violations: it had switched off all radar and navigation systems, ignored warnings from the Iranian military, and was attempting to leave the strait via an 'unauthorized southern route,' where it struck the mine.

Lack of details and IRGC warning

The Iranian side did not name the vessel or disclose its flag, crew details, whether there were casualties, or the extent of the damage. The statement says: 'Ship owners and crews in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman bear responsibility for traveling along unauthorized routes,' and also that 'any movement that ignores the security of this strait will be decisively stopped.'