Iran claims two oil tankers exploded after hitting naval mines in Strait of Hormuz

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New Delhi: Two oil tankers, including a supertanker, reportedly exploded after striking naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy claimed on Sunday.

According to reports, the vessels were travelling through what Tehran described as an unauthorised shipping route.

The IRGC Navy alleged that both tankers had switched off their navigation and identification systems and ignored repeated warnings against entering restricted waters. One of the vessels was reportedly engulfed in flames following a powerful explosion.

However, the claims could not be independently verified. Iranian authorities did not identify the vessels or provide details about possible casualties or the extent of the damage.

Separately, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported receiving information about another maritime incident in the Strait of Hormuz on November 1.

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According to sources, the captain of a merchant vessel relayed a Mayday call reporting that another ship had been struck by an unidentified projectile. The agency advised vessels operating in the area to exercise caution.

The latest developments come amid heightened tensions over control of the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically important waterway connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman.

A significant share of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas shipments passes through this narrow maritime corridor.

Iran has imposed restrictions on commercial vessels navigating the strait and has accused ships using unauthorised routes of violating its maritime warnings. The growing number of reported incidents has raised concerns over the safety of international shipping and potential disruptions to global energy supplies.

The situation remains tense, with maritime authorities monitoring developments and urging commercial vessels to follow security advisories while transiting the region.

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