Iran says supertanker hit a mine and caught fire in Strait of Hormuz

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said a supertanker carrying more than two million barrels of crude exploded and caught fire after striking a maritime mine in the Strait of Hormuz. The Guards did not identify the ship’s nationality or registry. [1][2]

According to the Iranian account, the vessel attempted to cross using a route Tehran had prohibited and switched off its positioning, radar or other tracking systems. Iranian authorities described that conduct as illegal under rules imposed during the war. [1][2][3]

The Revolutionary Guards said the tanker was trying to pass with support from the U.S. military. That allegation was presented by Iran and was not independently established in the available reporting. [2]

The reported fire occurred as Iran claims control of the strait and warns ships against crossing without its authorization. The exact location was not specified, and the tanker’s crew status and definitive damage were not confirmed. [2][3]

The incident follows an Iranian warning that ships disabling navigation systems could be treated as hostile. The Guards have also warned that vessels ignoring routes set by Tehran could face retaliation. [2][3]