Aditya DidwaniyaIran’s naval wing of the Revolutionary Guards says two tankers caught fire after hitting sea mines on a southern route. Shipping through the vital waterway remains far below normal levels.
Two Tankers Catch Fire After Hitting Sea Mines
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is part of Iran’s armed forces. Its naval forces say two tankers hit mines in the Strait of Hormuz.
What the IRGC Statement Says
The IRGC press service released a statement on the incident. It reads: “About an hour ago… two tankers attempted to pass covertly along a southern, unauthorized route in the Strait of Hormuz; they struck naval mines and, as a result, caught fire.”
Shipping Stays Limited Since the War Began
Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has been heavily restricted since February 28. That is the day the United States and Israel began a military operation against Iran.
Tehran says it plans to keep the limits in place until its conditions are met. These include lifting the American blockade and the sanctions.
Some ships still pass through the strait. Even so, traffic remains well below prewar levels.
Why the Strait Matters to the World
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the key routes for global oil supplies. It also carries a large share of the world’s liquefied natural gas.
Mayur Mohta
Akshay Didwaniya
Pratik Agrawal
