Iranian authorities said four tankers caught fire in the Strait of Hormuz after alleged mine strikes, while a maritime agency separately confirmed an attack on a tanker near Oman, renewing concern about commercial shipping in the waterway.
The Revolutionary Guard said tankers had been stopped after incidents or mine strikes. Later, it reported that two more vessels had exploded and burned. Iran did not identify the ships, and the claims have not been independently verified.
The U.S. military denied Iran’s claims about mines. U.S. Central Command said it had cleared the main international shipping routes of Iranian sea mines. The UK Maritime Trade Operations agency reported that a small boat approached a tanker heading out about 25 nautical miles northeast of Khasab on October 29.
The boat attached two explosive devices to the tanker’s hull. The blasts started a fire in the engine room and temporarily disabled the vessel. UKMTO later said the fire was out and the crew were safe.
It also said the tanker was continuing its voyage. Oman said it evacuated 25 crew members from a burning ship flying Panama’s flag. It remains unclear whether that ship was connected to the tankers Iran described.
The separate reports highlight the risks to vessels traveling through the strait. Iran and the United States are disputing control of its shipping lanes.