The key facts

  • According to the IRGC Navy, a third tanker hit a mine in the eastern part of the Strait of Hormuz and caught fire
  • Iran links the risks to the destruction of American coastal radars and navigation systems
  • The incident comes amid ongoing disputes over shipping after the US and Israeli offensive on February 28

Third tanker incident in the strait

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) reported on Tuesday that a third oil tanker exploded after hitting a naval mine while attempting to pass through an 'unauthorized' route in the Strait of Hormuz. The statement by the IRGC Navy, cited by state broadcaster IRIB, says the vessel struck the mine in the afternoon and caught fire in the eastern part of the strait; according to the Iranian side, smoke from the explosion and fire spread over the waters.

Tehran's claims and what remains unknown

The IRGC Navy linked the increased risks to tankers with the destruction of American coastal radars and navigation support systems south of the strait, and said that vessels traveling 'dangerous and illegal' routes run into mines. According to the report, Iranian authorities have repeatedly warned commercial vessels against using routes outside those agreed with Tehran. However, the statement does not name the tanker, its flag or crew size, and there is no information about casualties or environmental damage — the Iranian claims cannot be verified from this report.

Context of tensions

The incident occurred against the backdrop of a deteriorating maritime situation in the strait following the US-Israeli offensive against Iran on February 28. Despite diplomatic efforts and a memorandum signed by Washington and Tehran in June, disagreements over shipping and maritime security in the strait persist. This is already the third tanker whose mining Iran has claimed; the Anadolu report provides no independent confirmation of the incident from other sources.