Tehran, October 11:
The Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy has claimed that an oil tanker attempting to exit the Strait of Hormuz through an unauthorized route exploded after hitting a sea tunnel.
The Iranian Navy, in a statement released on its official news agency Sepah News on Saturday, said that the ship was carrying crude oil and was sailing with its navigation and GPS systems turned off. The Iranian side said that a large explosion and fire broke out on the ship after hitting the sea tunnel.
According to the Iranian Navy, the waterway had been designated as a high-risk area. It also warned that oil tankers using unauthorized routes in violation of Iran’s regulations would face similar consequences.
Earlier on Friday, the Iranian Navy claimed to have attacked a gas tanker named NV Sunshine that attempted to pass through the southern part of the Strait of Hormuz through an illegal route. The Iranian side stated that the incident caused a fire in the ship’s engine room and propulsion system.
Iran has held the US military responsible for the increase in tension in the maritime area. It has also warned that action against ships using unauthorized routes will no longer be limited to the Strait of Hormuz. The navy has also stated that ships violating Iranian rules will be punished.
Iran has tightened its control over the Strait of Hormuz after the joint attack on Iran by the US and Israel on February 28. It is claimed that Iran has blocked the safe passage of ships belonging to the US and Israel.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s important maritime trade routes. Since a large amount of crude oil and other energy materials are transported through this route, any military activity here could affect international energy supplies and maritime security. (RSS/Xinhua)
