Oil tanker struck by mine in Strait of Hormuz and catches fire

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 17 Oct, 10:32 · Archive

A super tanker carrying over two million barrels of oil has caught fire after striking a mine in the Strait of Hormuz, according to Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The IRGC said the vessel struck the mine whilst attempting to use an unauthorised route through the strait, causing what it described as a massive explosion and fierce fire. The exact location of the incident is unclear.

The IRGC accused the tanker of having turned off its positioning and radar systems in an effort to evade detection. In a statement shared via Iranian state media, the IRGC navy warned that 'the Strait of Hormuz is closed' and cautioned vessels against violating Iranian regulations governing passage through the waterway.

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint for global oil trade. The waterway has been at the centre of tensions between Washington and Tehran since war broke out in late February. Iran has effectively cut off passage through the strait following US and Israeli strikes on the country. The US military disputes Iran's control of the strait. Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of US Central Command, said US forces were working with regional allies to protect vessels navigating the region, stating that 'the Strait of Hormuz is controlled by the United States and our regional partners, not Iran'.

How it is being reported

• Super tanker ablaze after striking mine in Strait of Hormuz, IRGC saysThe IRGC navy accused the tanker of having turned off its positioning and radar systems in an effort to evade detection.Euronews · 17 Oct, 10:22
• Oil tanker carrying 2 million barrels hit in Strait of Hormuz as IRGC issues warningThe IRGC Navy said in the statement that the tanker attempted to pass through the Strait of Hormuz by "deception and with the support of the smuggling and terrorist US military"The Mirror · 17 Oct, 05:09

In this story: Iran · Strait of Hormuz · Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps · United States · Israel

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem