Two supertankers disabled after striking mines in off-limits Hormuz corridor
Two supertankers that tried to use a prohibited southern route of the Strait of Hormuz hit naval mines, disabling their engine rooms and leaving them stranded.
According to the IRGC navy, two supertankers attempted to transit a prohibited southern passage of the Strait of Hormuz and triggered naval mines laid in the area. The blasts ignited intense fires and crippled the engine rooms of both ships, leaving them dead-in-the-water. Iranian authorities said the incidents halted traffic by vessels violating the route, after earlier strikes on three tankers and the destruction of navigation-aid systems.
A source cited by Fars news agency warned that if oil smuggling resumes, the IRGC will respond with far greater force. The events underscore Tehran's resolve to enforce its maritime restrictions in the strategic chokepoint.
Why it matters
The attacks highlight heightened tensions over maritime security in a key oil transit route.
How this story developed
- Oct 10 Oil tanker detonates in Hormuz Strait amid escalating regional maritime tensions
- Oct 14 Iran announced a revised method for targeting vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
- Oct 17 A supertanker hit a sea mine in the strait, triggering a fire.
- Oct 20 US Central Command said about 400 ships and 100 million barrels of oil still transited the strait.
- Oct 22 Oil prices rose after the United States ordered diplomats and their families to leave Saudi Arabia following renewed Houthi strikes on Saudi targets.
- Oct 22 Iran announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
- Oct 23 The United States ordered its diplomats and families to leave Saudi Arabia.
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