Revolutionary Guard: Two Supertankers Struck by Mines in Hormuz
Iran's Revolutionary Guard said that two supertankers were struck by naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz while sailing in unauthorized routes, causing them to catch fire.
Iran's Revolutionary Guard stated that two supertankers were struck by naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz while sailing in unauthorized routes on October 17, causing them to catch fire and disabling one of them.
Xinhua News Agency cited media reports that each tanker was carrying over two million barrels, while Reuters said state media estimated the combined cargo at around two million barrels.
The names of the two tankers, their flags, or the origin of their cargo were not announced, and no independent confirmation of the Iranian account has been issued, keeping official details about the incident limited so far.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most critical oil transit chokepoints, which is why traders and investors closely monitor any developments there, as they directly impact energy prices, shipping costs, and insurance rates.
What do these terms mean?
Strait of Hormuz: A narrow waterway between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula through which a large portion of global oil tankers pass, and any disruption there raises energy prices.
Supertanker: A massive vessel designated for transporting crude oil, capable of carrying over two million barrels in a single shipment.
Naval mine: An explosive device planted at sea to detonate ships upon contact, often used in conflicts to obstruct navigation.
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