Iranian military says four tankers hit by mines in Hormuz

Tankers explode after hitting mines

Iranian state media broadcast video footage showing two supertankers disabled by explosions on Wednesday. The vessels reportedly hit naval mines while ignoring warnings against using an unauthorised route in the eastern part of the strait. Later that day, Iranian army officials stated two other tankers caught fire after hitting mines on Thursday afternoon. These ships were sailing through the southern part of the waterway which Iran declared a restricted area.

Warnings ignored by shipping vessels

The Navy's Public Relations Department advised ship owners repeatedly that safe passage requires coordination with armed forces and compliance with maritime laws. Iranian officials claimed the disabled vessels had their radar systems disabled before entering the dangerous zone. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations agency reported a separate vessel hit by an unidentified projectile near Ras Al-Khaimah on Wednesday. That incident caused a fire in the engine room while all crew members were successfully evacuated from the ship.

Traffic rebounds despite ongoing risks

Expectations that conflict between the United States and Iran will ease have caused oil prices to drop. Traffic in the strategic waterway has rebounded even though tankers continue to face attacks across the strait. Reuters could not immediately verify the Iranian account regarding the specific number of disabled vessels on Wednesday. UKMTO noted that at least ten ships were hit during the initial phase of recent conflicts involving the region.