Iran says supertanker damaged after hitting mines in Strait of Hormuz

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard said a supertanker trying to cross what it called an illegal southern route in the Strait of Hormuz struck two naval mines, caught fire and became completely immobilized.

The military force did not identify the vessel’s flag or say whether the incident caused casualties. It described the ship as violating regulations, while Iran continues to dispute US claims that the strategic waterway has been cleared of mines.

The announcement came after the United States said it had attacked two platforms that Iran was preparing to use to launch mines into the strait, according to US Central Command. Iran said the US action caused deaths and injuries, then launched attacks against American targets in Jordan and the United Arab Emirates.

The Strait of Hormuz has become a central point of confrontation between Tehran and Washington. The passage carried 20% of the world’s crude oil before the war began on Feb. 28, according to the report. Iran closed the strait in mid-July after further US bombing in southern Iran, while Washington responded by reimposing restrictions on Iranian ships and ports.

The United States has opened a route in the southern part of the strait near Oman’s coast in an effort to restore oil shipping. Iran has insisted that the waterway remains uncleared and warned vessels not to cross without its permission.

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A supertanker that was violating the rules and trying to cross the illegal southern route of the Strait of Hormuz hit two naval mines, suffered major fires and became completely immobilized.