IRGC Navy says two oil tankers exploded on unauthorized Hormuz route

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy said on Tuesday that two oil tankers attempting to navigate an unauthorized route through the Strait of Hormuz suffered explosions and were left in flames, according to Mehr News Agency (MNA).

The IRGC Navy said the vessels had been warned that the route was unsafe. In its statement, it reiterated that the unauthorized route remains unsafe and that all vessels linked with what it described as the terrorist and aggressor US military that intend to cross it would face the same fate.

The announcement follows earlier warnings by the IRGC Navy about the route. The statement did not provide further details on the identity, ownership or crew of the two tankers, the extent of the damage, or whether there were casualties. It also did not specify the exact location of the incident beyond the eastern side of the Strait of Hormuz.

The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and is a key route for global oil shipments. Incidents in and around the strait have drawn international attention because of the volume of commercial traffic that passes through it.

According to Mehr News Agency, the IRGC Navy's statement was issued on Tuesday and repeated its position that the unauthorized route is unsafe for navigation and that vessels associated with the US military would be treated accordingly.