Iran: Two oil tankers disabled after fires in the Strait of Hormuz

Two tanker fires have been reported, potentially increasing security concerns over oil transport through the Strait of Hormuz. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy said two oil tankers, one of which struck a sea mine, were disabled after the fires. The information about the incidents is based on the organisation’s written statement.

The statement alleged that both vessels were travelling outside the transit route designated by Iran. However, the fires were described as two separate incidents: the first vessel was reported to have struck a mine, while details of the incident involving the second tanker were not disclosed.

Mine strike reported involving first tanker

According to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy, a supertanker that had switched off its tracking systems and was travelling outside the route designated by Iran struck a sea mine. The organisation said the vessel caught fire afterwards.

The second oil tanker was alleged to have attempted to pass outside the same route under the protection of US warplanes. The statement said the vessel was involved in an accident and a major fire broke out on board. No information was shared about how the accident occurred.

Threat to vessels outside the route

The organisation announced that both tankers were disabled following the incidents. The statement also said that all vessels travelling outside the route designated by Iran and identified as co-operating with the US military would be targeted.

The statement did not name the tankers or provide information about the amount of oil they were carrying or the condition of their crews. It also gave no details on whether the fires had affected the passage of other vessels or oil shipments.