Two Oil Tankers Afire in Strait of Hormuz After Explosions, Iran Reports

Two oil tankers erupted in flames in the southern Strait of Hormuz overnight Tuesday after experiencing explosions while transiting the crucial waterway. Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced the incident in a statement, according to Reuters.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), a British defense maritime information center, reported receiving multiple alerts about a ship being struck by a projectile. This incident allegedly occurred in the Strait of Hormuz, approximately eight nautical miles northeast of Limah, Oman.

The UKMTO stated that the tanker's safety officer confirmed the crew had abandoned the vessel and were in a lifeboat. The center is currently investigating the situation further. The IRGC also indicated that the strait would remain closed as long as the United States continues its operations in the region.

This event occurs amidst heightened tensions in the region, with Iran having previously declared the Strait of Hormuz closed while the U.S. has resumed blockades against Iranian ports. The Strait of Hormuz is a vital chokepoint for global oil transport, and any disruption there carries significant implications for international energy markets.

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The tanker's safety officer has informed UKMTO that the crew has left the ship and is now in a lifeboat.