Iranian media has reported that an oil tanker exploded in the Strait of Hormuz after failing to follow the route prescribed by Iran.
A report by the semi-official Mehr News Agency on Sunday stated that the tanker had deviated from the designated route mandated by Iran before striking a mine in this strategic waterway. No immediate information was released regarding casualties, the vessel’s identity, or the extent of the damage.
Earlier, on June 26, Iran announced that navigation through the Strait of Hormuz must be conducted solely via shipping lanes designated by Tehran.
Tensions between the United States and Iran have escalated in recent weeks. Following US actions against Iran, Tehran has claimed to have launched retaliatory strikes targeting US military installations and equipment across the Middle East.
On July 8, US President Donald Trump announced the cancellation of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with Iran the previous month, alleging that Tehran had violated the agreement.
This announcement followed incidents involving attacks on three oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz and renewed disagreements regarding maritime navigation rules in this strategic waterway.
The United States advocates for freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. Conversely, Iran insists that vessels must utilize designated shipping lanes close to its coast and operate under a maritime guidance system overseen by Tehran.
