Iran Says Supertanker Hit by Mines in Strait of Hormuz - oilprice.com

**Iran Says Supertanker Hit by Mines in Strait of Hormuz**

Tehran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced on Friday that a foreign‑registered supertanker was struck by sea mines while transiting the strategic Strait of Hormuz, igniting a fire that was later extinguished by the vessel’s crew. The IRGC’s news agency Tasnim reported that three explosive devices detonated against the ship’s hull, causing significant damage to the engine room and prompting the crew to abandon the vessel temporarily. Iran’s foreign ministry echoed the claim, urging commercial shipping to avoid the waterway until the threat is cleared.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), which monitors vessel movements in the region, confirmed that a large tanker was hit by three “unknown projectiles” in the same sector but stopped short of attributing the attack to mines. According to UKMTO data, the incident occurred roughly 30 nautical miles east of the Iranian coast, and the vessel – identified by its AIS transponder as the *MOL Guardian* – reported no injuries among its 23‑person crew. The ship’s owners later issued a statement saying that the fire was contained, the vessel remained afloat, and it was proceeding to the nearest port for repairs under escort.

The episode unfolds amid a surge of maritime confrontations involving Iran, the United States, and Israel, which have raised concerns about the security of global oil shipments. Analysts note that any disruption in the Strait of Hormuz—through which roughly 20 % of the world’s petroleum passes—could trigger sharp spikes in crude prices, already volatile after recent sanctions and diplomatic standoffs. While the United States has not publicly confirmed the cause of the blast, officials in Washington have warned that “any attack on commercial shipping will be met with a proportionate response,” underscoring the fragile balance between regional power plays and the need to keep vital trade lanes open.