An oil tanker carrying two million barrels of oil has struck a mine and caught fire in the Strait of Hormuz, becoming the latest victim of the Iran war. The vessel was attempting to use an unauthorized route through the waterway, according to a statement from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps reported by state media.
IRGC statement on the tanker incident
The IRGC Navy said in the statement, according to reports by Iran International English, "The tanker switched off all positioning and radar systems and attempted to pass through the Strait of Hormuz by deception and with the support of the smuggling and terrorist US military."
The strait has been closed for months since the war broke out. "The Strait of Hormuz is closed," the IRGC said and warned vessels against violating Iranian rules governing passage through the strait.
Iran's control and global impact
Iran has largely controlled movement through the Strait of Hormuz since the war started on February 28 when the US and Israel carried out joint strikes on several key Iranian sites. In response, Iran hit US bases and allies across the Middle East and moved to choke global oil movement, driving up the oil price globally and pinching consumers at the pumps.
Iran also closed the critical waterway and placed mines to deter vessels from trying to transit the strait. About 20% of global oil traded passed through the strait prior to the war - this stopped.
Recent attacks and aftermath
The attack on the tanker follows a strike on a UAE-owned cargo ship earlier this week. The Singapore-flagged container ship, GFS Pride, was carrying the items from Dubai. The ship caught alight and sank on Wednesday after being struck by a mine in the strait. Footage has captured the moment packets of perfume bottles and iPhone boxes floating near the sunken vessel as they are fished out of the water by locals. The 21 crew members onboard were safely evacuated, according to Singapore's Maritime and Port Authority.
