Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed on Thursday that one oil tanker exploded after attempting to navigate the southern route of the Strait of Hormuz, an area the military says has been mined amid rising regional tensions.
According to a statement carried by Press TV, the IRGC alleged that three oil tankers linked to U.S. logistical operations attempted to pass through the restricted waterway despite warnings issued by Iranian authorities.
The IRGC said one of the vessels struck an explosive device, resulting in an explosion and fire. Following the incident, the remaining two tankers reportedly turned back before completing their transit through the strait.
Iranian military officials reiterated that no oil tanker would be permitted to enter or leave the designated area without prior coordination with the Islamic Republic.
“Any vessel that follows what we describe as U.S. deception and attempts to cross without coordination with the Islamic Republic of Iran will face the same consequences,” the IRGC said in its statement.
The latest claim follows remarks made on Wednesday by IRGC spokesperson Hossein Mohebbi, who announced that the southern shipping lane of the Strait of Hormuz had been mined.
Mohebbi warned commercial operators against using the route, saying ships attempting to pass through the mined corridor risked severe damage. He also urged companies not to rely on U.S. assurances regarding maritime safety in the region.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most strategically important energy chokepoints, handling a significant share of global crude oil exports. Any disruption to shipping through the waterway has the potential to affect international energy markets and global supply chains.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump responded on Wednesday by warning that Washington would retaliate if Iran targeted vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz. Trump said the United States would consider striking key Iranian infrastructure, including bridges or power facilities, in response to any future attacks on commercial shipping.
As of Thursday, there has been no independent verification of the IRGC’s claims regarding the reported tanker explosion or the alleged mining of the shipping lane. The identities of the vessels involved have also not been officially confirmed by international maritime authorities.
The incident, if verified, would mark another significant escalation in tensions surrounding one of the world’s busiest maritime trade routes, where geopolitical developments continue to draw close international attention.
