West Asia Conflict / Iran Says Strait of Hormuz “Closed” after Super Oil Tanker Destroyed

Tehran, Sep 15: A massive maritime crisis unfolded in the Gulf as Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) reported the destruction of a super oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz.

According to a statement published on Sepah News, the IRGC’s official outlet, the vessel, named EL GAIA, was attempting to navigate through what Tehran has labelled a “forbidden” southern route when it struck naval mines and quickly engulfed in flames.

“Efforts to contain the fire were futile, and the entire vessel was consumed,” the navy said, stressing that warnings had already been issued against using the “illegal” passage. The IRGC reiterated that the strategic strait remains closed and firmly under its control.

Also read: Iran, Oman Agree Strait of Hormuz New Route Deal

Earlier, the Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA), which oversees maritime traffic in the region, cautioned insurance companies, P&I clubs, and classification societies against servicing vessels listed as “violating.”

In a post on social media platform X, PGSA warned that “insurance companies, protection and indemnity insurance clubs, and classification societies are warned to refrain from providing services to these vessels to avoid consequences arising from dealing with them.”

The incident follows a series of confrontations in recent weeks. Earlier this month, the IRGC reported striking a US unmanned surface vehicle (USV) of the Saildrone Explorer type at the entrance of the strait.

The IRGC claimed the USV was on an “aggressive mission” and noted that such drones had previously been deployed by the US Fifth Fleet and Task Force 59 in Bahrain. It added that USVs are now operated from a unit based in Khasab, Oman.

Reiterating its stance, the IRGC warned: “Any hostile presence in the strategic waterway will be targeted.”

The confrontation stems from US‑Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, after which Tehran restricted passage through the strait while US forces imposed a naval blockade on vessels linked to Iranian ports.

(IANS)