West Asia Conflict / IRGC Warns after Supertanker Explosion in Strait of Hormuz

Tehran, Oct 11: A fresh wave of maritime tension erupted in the Gulf as Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) reported that a supertanker attempting to leave the Strait of Hormuz through an “unauthorized” passage was struck by naval mines and engulfed in flames.

According to Sepah News, the IRGC’s official outlet, the vessel was carrying crude oil with its navigation and GPS systems switched off when the blast occurred.

The tanker caught fire immediately, with the navy warning that such incidents are inevitable for any ship that seeks to “disregard” Iran’s regulations.

Also read: IRGC Targets 7 Oil Tankers in Strait of Hormuz; Defies US Claims

The statement described the route as high‑risk and cautioned that similar violations would face severe consequences.

A day earlier, the IRGC reported targeting a “giant” liquefied petroleum gas carrier, identified as NV Sunshine, as it attempted to cross the strait via an “illegal” southern passage. The attack ignited the vessel’s engine room and propulsion system.

The navy accused the US military of being responsible for escalating maritime tensions and warned that punitive actions against unauthorized vessels would extend beyond the Strait of Hormuz. “Any vessel crossing unauthorized routes will be punished,” the statement declared.

Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian emphasized his country’s commitment to dialogue despite repeated US attacks during negotiations. In talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Turkmenbashi, Turkmenistan, Pezeshkian said, “We are negotiating. However, whenever we engage in dialogue with the United States, they attack again.

Nevertheless, we will not abandon the negotiating table and dialogue.” He added that Iran had submitted proposals, to which the US responded with revisions, noting, “We have made our revisions to these proposals, and once finalised, the plan is to sit down and conclude them through the existing mediators.”

Iran tightened control over the Strait of Hormuz on February 28, barring safe passage for vessels linked to Israel and the United States after their joint strikes on Iranian territory.

(IANS)