Iran’s IRGC Says Tanker Hit Mine and Caught Fire in Southern Strait of Hormuz

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy said on October 18 that a tanker attempting to leave the Strait of Hormuz struck a naval mine in its southern waters, causing an explosion and fire in the engine room. The force alleged that the vessel had switched off its positioning and navigation systems from departure and was taking an unauthorized route. It warned of a severe response to ships disabling navigation and identification systems in the strait and Persian Gulf. The statement did not name the tanker or report casualties or the crew’s condition.