Iran says three oil tankers hit mines near Strait of Hormuz

Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has claimed that three oil tankers caught fire after striking naval mines while attempting to pass through an ‘unauthorised route’ south of the Strait of Hormuz.

In a statement on Thursday, the IRGC Navy said the vessels had ignored warnings, switched off their radar and navigation systems and attempted to leave through the restricted route.

The tankers were subsequently abandoned off the southern coast of the strategic waterway, according to the statement.

The IRGC Navy warned that unauthorised routes through the strait were mined and held vessel owners and crews responsible for using them.

It also cautioned against relying on US Central Command (CENTCOM) statements on the waterway, warning that any provocative action violating its regulations would face a firm response.

IRGC spokesman Brigadier General Hossein Mohebbi challenged CENTCOM to provide independently verifiable evidence of its claimed mine-clearing operations in the strait, rather than relying on statements.

Separately, Iranian Army spokesman Brigadier General Mohammad Akraminia said the Strait of Hormuz remained under the strategic control of Iran’s armed forces and would stay closed until Tehran’s conditions were met.