In the Strait of Hormuz, an oil tanker carrying 750,000 barrels of crude oil struck a sea mine, according to the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), after which a massive fire broke out on board. The incident took place on 11 October, with details emerging during the night of 12 October. The Iranian military claim that the crew ignored warnings and attempted to sail along a prohibited route. The incident took place against the backdrop of escalating tensions in the Persian Gulf and US President Donald Trump’s agreement with Russia regarding the supply of diesel fuel.
- Iran has reported that an oil tanker struck a sea mine in the Strait of Hormuz.
- According to the KVI, the vessel was carrying 750,000 barrels of crude oil.
- Iran has reported three incidents in which tankers were struck by mines over the past 24 hours.
- The incident occurred against the backdrop of Trump’s agreement with Russia on the supply of diesel fuel.
An oil tanker caught fire following an explosion
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has reported an incident involving an oil tanker that was attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. According to the Iranian military, The vessel was carrying 750,000 barrels of crude oil and was travelling along a route which the KVIR considers off-limits to shipping.
The Iranian side claims that the crew failed to heed warnings from the navy and continued to sail through a dangerous stretch of water. Following this, according to the IRGC, the tanker struck a sea mine. A powerful explosion occurred on board, causing a fire.
The Iranian news agency Tasnim also reported that That’s the third tanker in the last 24 hours, which, according to the KVI, struck a mine in the Strait of Hormuz.
The report did not specify the name of the vessel, its flag or details regarding the condition of the crew of this particular tanker.
British authorities have confirmed the attacks on the tankers
The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) also recorded dangerous incidents in the Strait of Hormuz on 11 October. According to its reports, one of the tankers leaving the strait sustained damage to its port side after being struck by an unidentified projectile.
The statement noted that all crew members had survived. At the time the information was released, there were also no reports of marine pollution. Separately, the UKMTO reported a drone attack on a tanker near the port of Sohar in Oman.
Trump has reached an agreement with Russia on diesel amid the oil crisis
Another incident in Strait of Hormuz took place a few days after the announcement Donald Trump agreements з Vladimir Putin on the increase in supplies of Russian diesel fuel.
On 9 October, the US President stated that Russia must supply over 300,000 tonnes of diesel to the American and global markets. The Trump administration explained this decision as being driven by the need to bring down fuel prices, which had risen sharply due to supply disruptions and the escalating situation in the Middle East.
The US President has repeatedly criticised Ukraine for its strikes on Russian oil refineries, linking them to the rise in global diesel prices. However, shipping problems in the Strait of Hormuz also remain a significant factor in the instability of energy markets.
Before the war with Iran began, approximately 20% of global oil consumption passed through this route.
