Iran Says Second Oil Tanker Hit Mine in Strait of Hormuz, Declares Strait Closed

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy has said a second oil tanker carrying more than two million barrels of crude struck a naval mine in the Strait of Hormuz within 24 hours — the latest Strait of Hormuz tanker mine strike to shake the world’s most important oil chokepoint. In a statement carried by Iranian state media on Saturday, October 17, the force said the vessel caught fire after hitting the mine on a route Iran had not authorised. The IRGC added that the ship had switched off its positioning and radar systems, and reiterated that the Strait of Hormuz is closed to vessels defying Iranian regulations.

Key Facts

• The IRGC Navy says two oil tankers, each carrying about two million barrels of crude, struck naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz on October 17.
• Both had switched off tracking and radar and were on routes Iran had not authorised, the force says.
• The second tanker was left immobilised; ISNA reported a severe fire.
• No names, flags, or casualty figures were released, and there is no independent confirmation of either incident, Reuters reported.
• The IRGC warned that ships violating Iranian rules in the strait would face serious consequences.

What the IRGC Claims About the Strait of Hormuz Tanker Mine Strike

The entire account of the latest Strait of Hormuz tanker mine strike comes from Iranian state media — the vessels’ identities and movements, and an alleged United States role, have not been independently verified. Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency said one tanker tried to cross “with US support,” an allegation Washington has not publicly addressed. Fars news agency published video appearing to show a vessel ablaze at night. Tehran maintains the strait is closed and that defying its regulations invites consequences — a position the United States rejects.

A Strait Under Pressure

The Strait of Hormuz normally carries around one quarter of the world’s seaborne oil trade, making any disruption a global concern. Attacks on shipping in and around the waterway have surged over the past two weeks amid the US-Iran confrontation. Earlier this week, a container ship and a dry bulk carrier sank near the strait after being hit by projectiles, maritime officials said. On Friday, US Central Command chief Admiral Brad Cooper said the United States and its regional partners — not Iran — control the strait, and that it “remains open for business.” The US military says 97 percent of ships still transit the waterway safely and that American forces have helped Gulf partners ship large volumes of crude in recent months.

Energy Markets Watch Closely

Prolonged disruption in the strait has already pushed up global energy prices and added to inflation, market reports say. Iran says it is stepping up strikes in response to the US blockade of its ports and tougher sanctions imposed last month. Iran’s foreign minister has also presented international partners with a proposal to reopen the strait within a week.

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