Iran Army says oil tanker caught fire after hitting mines in Strait of Hormuz

Iran's army said on Wednesday that an oil tanker caught fire after striking naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz. In a statement carried by local Iranian media, the military said the vessel was in breach of regulations, had switched off its tracking systems, and attempted to cross a prohibited and dangerous area east of the Strait of Hormuz when it hit the mines, causing damage and a fire.

The Iranian military has reported on multiple occasions that tankers struck naval mines while attempting to transit areas Tehran considers off-limits. The statement did not provide further details about the tanker's identity, flag, or the extent of the damage or casualties.

The Strait of Hormuz is a strategically vital waterway through which a significant portion of the world's oil supply is transported. Iran has previously warned that it considers certain areas off-limits and has blamed vessels for violating regulations.

According to Mehr News, the army's statement said the tanker was in breach of regulations and had switched off its tracking systems before entering the prohibited area.