TEHRAN: Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has claimed that four oil tankers were destroyed after striking sea mines south of the Strait of Hormuz, with fires reportedly breaking out aboard the vessels. The Iranian force also claimed to have seized two additional ships amid escalating maritime tensions in the strategically important waterway.
According to Reuters, the IRGC said in a statement issued on Wednesday that the four tankers had attempted to navigate a maritime route that Iranian authorities had declared prohibited.
The statement claimed that the vessels struck naval mines placed in the sea, triggering fires aboard the tankers. However, the claims have not been independently verified, and details about the extent of the damage remain unclear.
Four Tankers Reportedly Caught Fire
The IRGC described the four oil tankers as destroyed and said they were on fire following the alleged mine strikes.
However, Iranian authorities did not disclose the names, registration details, flags or ownership of the vessels. Their departure points and intended destinations also remain unknown.
It is also unclear how many crew members were aboard the tankers, whether anyone was injured or killed, or whether the crews were safely evacuated.
Reuters reported that the Iranian statement did not provide further details about the circumstances of the alleged incidents or the extent of the damage.
Iran Also Claims Seizure of Two More Ships
Alongside the claims involving the four oil tankers, the IRGC said it had intercepted and taken control of two additional vessels.
However, no detailed information was provided about the identities of the ships, their crews or the reasons for their seizure.
The reported seizures have also not been independently confirmed.
Shipping Through Strait of Hormuz Already Under Pressure
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most strategically important maritime routes, serving as a major passage for international oil and gas shipments.
Ongoing military tensions between the United States and Iran have increased security concerns for commercial shipping in the region, raising fears of further disruptions to global energy supplies.
According to a Reuters report published on November 3, oil exports from Gulf countries declined in October compared with September.
Preliminary data from shipping intelligence company Vortexa showed that average shipments of crude oil, condensate and refined petroleum products fell to approximately 17.1 million barrels per day in October, compared with 18.9 million barrels per day in September.
The report also noted that some oil tankers had been switching off their tracking signals because of security concerns, making maritime monitoring more difficult.
Independent Confirmation Still Awaited
Although Reuters has reported the IRGC statement, the destruction of the four oil tankers, the reported fires and the seizure of two additional vessels have not been independently verified.
The identities and condition of the vessels, as well as the fate of their crews, remain unclear.
Until further evidence or confirmation emerges from independent maritime authorities and shipping companies, the reported destruction of the four tankers should be treated as a claim made by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard rather than an independently established fact.
