Iran Reports Supertanker Mine Explosion, Links Hormuz Opening to US Withdrawal

Iran reported a supertanker fire after a Hormuz mine strike, while UKMTO detailed two separate tanker attacks off Saudi Arabia.

Iran reported a supertanker fire after a Hormuz mine strike, while UKMTO detailed two separate tanker attacks off Saudi Arabia.

The IRGC Navy said a supertanker carrying more than two million barrels of crude caught fire after striking a mine in Hormuz.

UKMTO reported two tanker attacks northeast of Al Jubayl, including an RPG fired from a small boat; crews were reported safe.

An Iranian Army spokesman said US withdrawal from the region would allow the Strait of Hormuz to reopen.

Iran Reports Supertanker Mine Strike

A supertanker carrying more than two million barrels of crude oil caught fire after striking a naval mine in the Strait of Hormuz, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy said, according to reports carried by Anadolu and Al Mayadeen.

The IRGC Navy said the vessel attempted to cross through an unauthorized route after switching off its and radar systems. It accused the tanker of relying on direct US military support to attempt the passage.

Anadolu, citing a statement carried by Tasnim News Agency, reported that the explosion caused a major fire. The statement did not identify the vessel, its owner or flag, and provided no information casualties or the extent of the damage.

The IRGC Navy reiterated that the strait remained closed and warned vessels against attempting passage outside routes and procedures established by Iranian authorities.

Two Tankers Attacked Off Saudi Arabia

Separately, the UK Maritime Trade Operations reported two tanker attacks northeast of Al Jubayl, Saudi Arabia.

In one incident, a tanker’s master reported that a rocket-propelled grenade fired from a small boat struck the vessel approximately 78 nautical miles northeast of Al Jubayl.

The attack occurred at 1922 GMT Friday and damaged the tanker’s aft port quarter, according to the UKMTO advisory cited by Anadolu.

All crew members were accounted for and safe. A full assessment of the damage and any environmental impact was not immediately available.

UKMTO also reported that another tanker was struck Friday by an unidentified projectile approximately 68 nautical miles northeast of Al Jubayl.

The crew of that vessel was safely evacuated, and no environmental impact was reported.

Authorities were investigating the incidents. UKMTO urged vessels nearby to proceed cautiously and report suspicious activity.

Iran Links Reopening to US Withdrawal

Iranian Army spokesman Brigadier General Mohammad Akrami-Nia said Friday that a US withdrawal from the region would allow the Strait of Hormuz to reopen.

“If the US leaves the region, the Strait of Hormuz will reopen, collective security with regional countries will be established and the world economy will recover. If they do not leave the region, we will secure their departure,” he wrote on X.

Iranian Army Deputy Coordinator Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari also reiterated restrictions on unauthorized crossings. “The Strait of Hormuz is closed,” he said.

“If any passage takes place, it must be coordinated; otherwise, it is clear what will happen,” Sayyari warned.

Iranian military statements have reported other tanker fires in restricted waters near Hormuz, including a vessel that allegedly disabled its tracking systems before attempting to enter a prohibited area in the Sea of Oman.

Normal maritime traffic through the strait has been severely disrupted since the US and Israel launched their war against Iran on February 28.

Limited crossings have continued, while Tehran has linked the restoration of regular shipping to its maritime security conditions and the implementation of a memorandum of understanding.

(PC, Al Mayadeen, AA)