Iranian media releases footage of oil supertanker explosion in Strait of Hormuz
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Iranian media has released footage purportedly showing a supertanker exploding and catching fire after striking a sea mine in the Strait of Hormuz, according to a statement by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy.
The IRGC Navy said the vessel was carrying more than two million barrels of crude oil and was attempting to transit the strategic waterway through what it described as an unauthorized route.
The statement claimed the tanker had disabled its positioning and radar systems in an attempt to cross the strait with US military support.
The IRGC Navy reiterated that the Strait of Hormuz was closed and warned vessels against violating Iranian regulations governing passage through the waterway.
The statement did not identify the tanker, its flag or operator, or provide information about the crew, possible casualties or the extent of the damage.
The reported mine strike and the circumstances surrounding the incident have not been independently verified.
The incident comes amid increasing attacks by Iran on ships in the Strait of Hormuz, where the Islamic Republic is reportedly adopting “new tactics” to influence the US midterm elections, according to reports.
