Iran claims oil tankers exploded in Hormuz mined area; U.S. denies claim

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) asserted that two oil tankers exploded in a mined area of the Strait of Hormuz, alleging they were deceived by U.S. intelligence agencies. The IRGC announced that the explosions occurred about an hour prior to their statement, causing a large fire.

The IRGC issued a warning, urging vessels to avoid entering mined areas and stating, "Ships must not be deceived to protect their assets, and above all, their lives." Iran claims control over the Strait of Hormuz and insists on passage through the northern, safer parts of the strait with its permission. The IRGC further declared the Strait of Hormuz "extremely unstable and completely closed" due to "U.S. atrocities," adding that "the export of any chemical fertilizers or even a drop of crude oil and gas through this region is impossible as long as the U.S. aggression does not end."

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The amendment expanded the scope of rail cargo movement from the Indian ports of Kolkata, Haldia and Visakhapatnam, allowing cargo destined for Nepal to be transported by rail up to the Biratnagar Customs.

However, the U.S. military has vehemently denied Iran's claims. The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) stated via its X account on July 17 that the "claim by the IRGC of oil tanker explosions is not true."

This alleged incident unfolds against a backdrop of heightened military tensions. The U.S. resumed military actions against Iran on July 7, accusing Iran of violating a previous memorandum of understanding and attacking merchant ships in the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. forces have been conducting nightly airstrikes against Iran since July 11, including daytime strikes on July 15. CENTCOM reported that since resuming maritime blockade operations on July 14, they have diverted four ships and neutralized one vessel, while conducting boarding inspections on another.

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The claim by the IRGC of oil tanker explosions is not true.