Two Oil Tankers Explode After Passing Through Mined Area Near Strait of Hormuz

Two oil tankers exploded and caught fire early Saturday after traveling through a mined route south of the Strait of Hormuz, according to Iran's state television. The report cited a statement from Iran's Revolutionary Guards, which did not provide details on casualties or the extent of the damage. The incident occurred in a strategic waterway that handles about a fifth of the world's oil shipments. The Strait of Hormuz, connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman, is a critical chokepoint for global energy supplies. Mines have been placed in the area in the past amid tensions between Iran and other nations. No group has claimed responsibility for the mining. The explosions come amid heightened geopolitical tensions in the region. The tankers were traveling through the area when they hit the mines, leading to the blasts and subsequent fires. The Revolutionary Guards have not stated whether the mines were newly laid or remnants from previous conflicts. Maritime security experts have warned for years about the risk of mines in these waters. The incident could disrupt oil shipments and raise insurance costs for vessels transiting the strait. Investigations are ongoing. The affected tankers have not been identified, and their nationalities remain unclear. The international community is monitoring the situation closely.