Strait of Hormuz Chaos: Two Tankers Explode After Hitting Naval Mines
Iran's IRGC claims two tankers exploded after hitting naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz. Saudi Arabia and UAE condemn the attack on a Qatari LNG carrier.
Tensions have surged in one of the world's most critical maritime chokepoints after two oil tankers, including a massive supertanker, exploded in the Strait of Hormuz tanker explosions. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy of Iran claims the vessels struck naval mines while attempting to navigate through an unauthorized route.
Iran's Account: Unauthorized Routes and Silent Systems
According to a statement from the IRGC Navy's Public Relations Office, reported by Press TV, the explosions occurred as the vessels deviated from approved shipping lanes. The Iranian naval force alleges that both tankers had intentionally switched off their identification and navigation systems, effectively attempting to move stealthily through the waterway.
The IRGC further claimed that the vessels ignored multiple warnings to stay away from restricted routes. The result was catastrophic, with one of the tankers being completely engulfed in flames following a powerful blast.
UKMTO Reports Mayday Calls and Projectiles
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) also confirmed a security incident in the strategic waterway. In a warning released on November 1, the agency noted that a merchant vessel's captain relayed a Mayday call via VHF Channel 16.
The distress signal reported that another vessel in the vicinity had been struck by an "unknown projectile." In response, the maritime security agency urged all ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz to exercise extreme caution and report any suspicious activity as investigations continue.
International Outrage: Saudi Arabia and UAE Condemn Attack
The incident has sparked immediate diplomatic backlash, specifically regarding the targeting of the Al Mayeda, a liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier owned by the Qatar Gas Transport Company.
- Saudi Arabia: The Saudi Foreign Ministry issued a strong condemnation on X, rejecting violations that threaten global energy supplies and maritime navigation. The Kingdom expressed solidarity with Qatar and called for urgent international intervention to uphold international law.
- UAE: The United Arab Emirates also joined the condemnation, speaking out against the targeting of the Qatari LNG carrier in the Arabian Gulf.
A Pattern of Escalation
This latest crisis follows a string of security threats in the region. Only days prior, on October 30, the UKMTO reported an attack on a tanker located approximately 25 nautical miles northeast of Khasab, Oman.
In that instance, a small boat approached the tanker and attached two explosive devices to the hull above the waterline. While the blast triggered a fire in the engine room and temporarily disabled the ship, all crew members were reported safe, and no environmental damage was recorded.