Oil Tanker Catches Fire After Striking Naval Mine in Strait of Hormuz

UPDATE - follow-up to Iran says tanker struck mine, caught fire in Hormuz: An oil tanker caught fire after hitting a naval mine in a restricted area of the Strait of Hormuz, according to a statement by Iran's army. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations also reported receiving details about an incident involving a tanker in the same waterway.

Details of the Incident

The naval forces of Iran's army stated that the vessel struck the mine early in the morning in an unsafe zone located in the eastern part of the strait. Tehran has restricted traffic through the vital channel since the West Asia war began in late February, requiring ships to use routes approved by the country. Meanwhile, the United States has placed a naval blockade on Iranian ports and helped vessels travel through the strait, which normally moves about one-fifth of global oil. The American military recently claimed that all mines had been cleared from the route.

Wider Context

Iran's military has frequently reported ships catching fire and hitting mines in the strait over recent weeks, including three other oil tankers mentioned by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. U.S. Central Command has been escorting ships through the area and stated last month that it helped Gulf countries export 1.5 billion barrels of oil via Hormuz since the summer.

Context

The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial global energy corridor connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. Disruptions in this narrow passage frequently threaten international oil supplies and prompt military escorts from foreign navies.