Iran: 2 tankers hit mines in Hormuz

Two oil tankers caught fire in the Strait of Hormuz after hitting mines, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said on Sunday, according to state news agency IRNA.

Since the outbreak of the Iran war in late February, Tehran has severely restricted traffic through the strategic waterway, insisting vessels use routes authorised by the Islamic republic.

The United States has in response imposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports and helped tankers travel the strait, which normally carries about one-fifth of global oil consumption.

“Two oil tankers violating regulations one in the eastern part of the Strait of Hormuz and the other within the strait caught fire and are currently engulfed in intense flames after striking naval mines while attempting to cross through unauthorised routes.”