Second tanker caught fire this morning in Strait of Hormuz, says Iran’s navy
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- Iran's navy says a second oil tanker caught fire on Saturday morning after striking a naval mine in the eastern Strait of Hormuz.
- Iranian statements claim five tankers have caught fire in the waterway within 24 hours amid escalating maritime tensions.
Iran's navy has reported that another oil tanker caught fire on Saturday morning after striking a naval mine in the eastern Strait of Hormuz, according to Iranian state media.
The incident marks the second tanker fire reported by Iran on Saturday and the fifth in 24 hours involving vessels allegedly struck by Iranian forces or naval mines while attempting to navigate the strategic waterway.
In a statement quoted by the semi-official Tasnim News Agency, the Iranian navy warned vessels against engaging in what it described as illegal activities in restricted maritime areas.
"Fire and explosions are the fate of tankers involved in illegal activities that have turned off their tracking systems and are operating in restricted areas," the navy said.
The navy did not identify the tanker or disclose its flag, ownership or crew details. It also said the vessel had switched off its tracking and identification systems while navigating the restricted area.
The latest incident comes amid escalating maritime tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic shipping route for global oil and gas supplies.
Iranian authorities have repeatedly warned commercial vessels against using routes they consider unauthorized. However, the reported mine strikes and the circumstances surrounding the incidents have not been independently verified.
