Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) stated that one of three oil tankers caught fire following an explosion while attempting to navigate a mined route south of the Strait of Hormuz. The two other tankers turned back after the incident, according to the IRGC statement.
The IRGC declared that the Strait of Hormuz is under its control and warned that the waterway will remain closed as long as the United States continues what it described as "evil deeds" in the region.
The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, is a critical passage for global oil shipments. Tensions have frequently escalated in the area between Iran and the United States in recent years.
The IRGC did not provide further details about the tanker's identity, crew, or the extent of the damage. No immediate comment was available from other parties. The incident adds to ongoing concerns about maritime security in the region.