A supertanker struck a naval mine in the Strait of Hormuz, causing an explosion and fire on board, Iranian media reported, citing Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
The tanker was carrying more than 2 million barrels of crude oil, the reports said. The IRGC claimed the vessel had tried to pass through the strait without permission, with help from the US military and using deceptive manoeuvres. It also stressed that the waterway was closed.
The Iranian account could not initially be independently verified. The extent of the fire remained unclear, as did the whereabouts and condition of the crew.
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) and the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) did not initially comment on the reported incident overnight.
The Strait of Hormuz has become a major flashpoint between Tehran and Washington during the war with Iran. The waterway is crucial to global oil and liquefied natural gas trade.
Since the war began in late February, Iran has largely blocked shipping through the strait with threats and attacks on vessels. Tehran has also been accused of laying mines in parts of the waterway.
The US, meanwhile, has imposed a blockade on Iranian ports and coastal areas in an effort to deprive the country of revenue from oil exports.