Iran claims oil tanker hit mine, caught fire in Hormuz

Iran announces a supertanker caught fire after hitting a mine while transiting the Strait of Hormuz outside the designated corridor.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy stated today that a supertanker struck two mines while attempting to navigate the southern corridor of the Strait of Hormuz, a route seemingly referring to Omani territorial waters protected by the US military.

The IRGC reported that the supertanker "caught fire and came to a complete stop" after the explosions, but did not specify the extent of the damage or the vessel's name. A supertanker refers to an oil tanker with an extremely large deadweight, typically 500,000 tons or more, capable of carrying millions of barrels of oil.

"The IRGC Navy once again warns that vessels violating security regulations in the Strait of Hormuz will face a similar fate," the force stated, adding that adherence to IRGC-issued transit regulations is "mandatory."

Iran has almost completely blockaded Hormuz, forcing vessels to use the northern corridor controlled by the IRGC. Recently, some ships transited the southern corridor near Oman after encouragement and protection from the US Navy. Iran has repeatedly warned vessels about the consequences of using routes Tehran deems "illegal."

Mines being transported on an Iranian speedboat. *Photo: Tasnim*

The IRGC's announcement followed a statement by US Central Command (CENTCOM) that it had attacked two Iranian rocket launchers on Larak Island, near the Strait of Hormuz. The two launchers were targeted after the US detected Iran "preparing to launch rocket-borne mines into the Strait of Hormuz."

CENTCOM stated it took "limited, precise" action to protect sailors and cargo ships from the threat posed by Tehran's mine-laying forces. This marked the first US attack on Iran since late July.

The IRGC confirmed that the attack on Larak Island resulted in injuries and deaths among some Iranian soldiers and civilians. The force then announced it conducted a coordinated attack using missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) targeting "technical infrastructure, maintenance facilities, and fighter jet positions" at two US bases in Jordan, King Hussein and Muwaffaq Salti, causing "heavy damage."

The IRGC also claimed to have shot down a US MQ-9 Reaper UAV in the Strait of Hormuz. The Washington Post, citing informed sources on 13/8, reported that the US military has lost at least 45 MQ-9 aircraft in the conflict with Iran, equivalent to about 25% of its active fleet.

Meanwhile, the Iranian military announced it launched dozens of UAVs targeting Al Minhad Air Base in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), aiming at US helicopters and personnel stationed at the facility.

Iranian military launches UAVs in a video posted on 31/8. *Video: Tasnim*

The Jordanian military announced it intercepted 8 missiles but did not specify their origin. The UAE Ministry of Defense stated its air force dealt with one UAV over its territorial waters, adding that the aircraft was launched from Iran.

Clashes between the US and Iran have resumed as President Donald Trump's administration recently prioritized "economic warfare" over military action. The US is also maintaining a maritime blockade campaign targeting Iranian seaports.