Tehran: Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy claimed early Monday that an oil tanker, violating regulations, had struck a sea mine south of the Strait of Hormuz. According to the Iranian Navy, the tanker struck a sea mine south of the Strait of Hormuz.
A statement released on Sepah News, the IRGC’s official news channel, said the explosion caused a fire in the oil tanker’s engine room. According to Xinhua, the Iranian Navy alleged that the ship had its GPS and navigation systems turned off. Furthermore, it was attempting to exit through an allegedly unauthorized route south of the Strait, disregarding established regulations.
Iran warns ships that turn off navigation systems
The IRGC Navy warned that ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding waters will face strict action if they turn off their navigation and identification systems.
The Iranian Navy claims that over the past week, several oil tankers attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz have been hit by mines and exploded.
The Navy also claimed that it has complete control and dominance over the waters east of the Strait of Hormuz, the Gulf of Oman, and the Arabian Sea. It stated that it is fully aware of the risks posed to ships transiting through restricted waters.
Seven-day proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz remains in place
Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi said on Sunday that the seven-day proposal submitted by Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz is still under consideration.
Araghchi made this statement in an interview with Iran’s state news agency IRNA during the 52nd session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers in Baghdad, the capital of Iraq.
He said that Iran’s conditions for ending the conflict and reopening the Strait of Hormuz are completely clear. These conditions have been presented to the US as part of the seven-day plan.
Iran is reviewing the US response
According to Araghchi, Washington has presented its position on Iran’s proposal, and Tehran is currently reviewing it.
The Strait of Hormuz is a vital sea route for global oil supplies. The growing tension over the movement of ships and incidents involving oil tankers are being monitored internationally.