Two oil tankers struck mines and caught fire while passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard announced the incident in a statement.
The naval force stated that the vessels attempted to travel through the waterway undetected. They used an unauthorized route with their navigation and automatic identification systems switched off.
According to the military force, the mine strikes triggered powerful explosions on board the vessels. Large fires subsequently broke out across the tankers.
The official statement did not identify the names of the affected ships. It also provided no information regarding possible casualties among the crews.
The naval force had earlier reported the incident on Friday. It specified that the vessels struck the mines in the southern part of the strategic waterway.
Following the explosions, the Revolutionary Guard issued a warning to shipping companies. The force cautioned operators against attempting passage without coordinating with its maritime traffic control center.
These maritime incidents occurred during continuous friction between Iran and the United States regarding navigation through the corridor. The strait serves as a vital global artery for energy and commodity supplies.
Passage through the key waterway has also been a central dispute during diplomatic negotiations between Washington and Tehran.
Hostilities between the two countries began with military attacks by the US and Israel against Iran on February 28. The opposing sides reached a temporary ceasefire in April.
Combat operations later resumed after talks stalled, even though both governments signed a memorandum of understanding in June.
