Iran claims two oil tankers exploded in Hormuz; U.S. Central Command calls claim 'false'

Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) asserted that two oil tankers exploded in the southern Strait of Hormuz after encountering mines, attributing the incident to U.S. intelligence deception. The IRGC stated that the explosions caused a large fire and warned ships to avoid the mined area, suggesting the strait had become unstable and effectively closed due to U.S. actions.

However, the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) swiftly refuted Iran's claims. CENTCOM described the IRGC's assertion as false, mirroring many of its previous statements. The denial comes amid heightened tensions and ongoing military interactions between the U.S. and Iran in the critical Strait of Hormuz waterway.

The IRGC's statement did not provide specific details regarding casualties, the nationality of the vessels, or their cargo. They accused the U.S. of aggressive actions that have destabilized the region and made exports of crude oil, natural gas, and chemical fertilizers impossible. The IRGC urged vessels to exercise caution and avoid the mined zones, implying that U.S. intelligence had misled the tanker crews.

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Most of the IRGC claims, like this one, are false.