Iran says tankers caught fire after Strait of Hormuz incidents

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy said two oil tankers suffered explosions on Tuesday, November 10, while using what it called an unauthorised route through the Strait of Hormuz. The force said both vessels had switched off their navigation and identification systems and caught fire. The claims have not been independently verified.

Iranian military statements described separate tanker incidents in the waterway. The Army Navy said an oil tanker caught fire early Wednesday, November 11, after striking naval mines east of the strait while transiting a route it called unsafe and forbidden. It did not identify the vessel or report the crew’s condition.

The IRGC Navy said one of the two tankers reported on Tuesday exploded after hitting a mine. It said the other caught fire following an incident, and alleged the vessel was supported by U.S. fighter aircraft. The force did not identify either ship or provide further evidence establishing the causes. The accounts do not independently confirm that mines caused the reported explosions or fires.

Other shipping incidents reported in the region were distinct from the Iranian military accounts. The UK Maritime Trade Operations said...