Iran Army Navy says violating oil tanker caught fire east of Strait of Hormuz

Iran's Army Navy said an oil tanker caught fire after striking a naval mine in a restricted area east of the Strait of Hormuz, according to a statement issued by the force's Public Relations Office. The statement described the vessel as a "violating" tanker, saying it had switched off its tracking systems and navigated through prohibited routes.

The Public Relations Office said the area east of the Strait of Hormuz is fully under the control and surveillance of Iran's Army Navy. It reiterated that fire and explosion would be the fate of any violating vessels that turn off their tracking systems and use prohibited routes.

The statement did not identify the tanker, its flag, owner or crew, and gave no details on casualties or the extent of the damage. It also did not specify when the incident occurred.

The Strait of Hormuz is a strategic waterway through which a large share of global seaborne oil passes. Iran has repeatedly stated that it monitors and controls the waters around the strait.

The announcement follows previous Iranian statements about vessels navigating the area with tracking systems disabled. The Army Navy's Public Relations Office framed the incident as a consequence of vessels disregarding designated routes and surveillance requirements.

No further information was immediately available on the vessel's condition or on any response from regional or international shipping authorities. According to Mehr News, the statement was issued by the Public Relations Office of the Army Navy Force.