Oil tanker explodes after hitting mine in Strait of Hormuz, Iranian media reports

An oil tanker reportedly exploded in the Strait of Hormuz after striking a naval mine, Iranian media outlets reported on Sunday. The incident occurred in the strategic waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea, a critical chokepoint for global energy trade.

According to the reports from Defapress and Tasnim, news agencies close to the military and the Revolutionary Guards, the tanker had previously departed from a route designated by Iran and had its radar system deactivated. Iranian authorities have not yet issued an official statement regarding the explosion.

Neither the US Central Command (CENTCOM) nor the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) have confirmed the incident. The Strait of Hormuz is a vital passage, and Iran asserts control over it, requiring commercial vessels to adhere to specific routes it establishes.

The incident follows a period of heightened tensions in the region, with recent reports indicating a US pause in military operations against Iran and Iran's subsequent suspension of retaliatory attacks. However, the exact circumstances and confirmation of the tanker explosion remain unclear.