The Iranian Revolutionary Guards announced on Monday evening that the massive oil tanker "Alqaya" exploded after colliding with sea mines while attempting to cross a zone described by Tehran as forbidden south of the Strait of Hormuz. Reports confirm that the tanker is now entirely surrounded by flames.
The Revolutionary Guards' naval command reported that the tanker, registered under the maritime number 9325336, was blown up during its passage through the area, noting that all attempts to control the fire have been unsuccessful.
They also stated that "the entire tanker is trapped amidst the flames."
The statement did not provide details about the crew's fate or any casualties, nor did it specify the extent of damage or the nature of the cargo on board.
Previous Iranian Warning
The Revolutionary Guards' navy claimed they had previously issued warnings regarding the dangers of what they termed the "illegal passage" the tanker attempted to use.
They added that "the Strait of Hormuz is closed and remains under our complete and smart control," reaffirming Iran's stance on navigation through the strategic maritime passage.
According to available reports, it was not possible to independently verify the cause of the tanker's explosion or confirm its collision with sea mines.
This incident is particularly significant due to its location south of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most crucial energy transit passages, amidst a backdrop of escalating military tensions and widespread disruptions to shipping.
The announcement regarding sea mines in the area also raises further concerns about the safety of commercial navigation, especially if there are confirmed minefields or maritime zones posing risks to vessel passage.
This event occurs amid a heightened standoff over navigation rules in the Strait of Hormuz, with ongoing reciprocal warnings and restrictions affecting movement in one of the most sensitive maritime passages globally.