Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has claimed that two oil tankers and a tugboat caught fire in separate incidents in the Strait of Hormuz after allegedly attempting to use unauthorised routes. Meanwhile, the United States has imposed sanctions on three individuals and entities accused of helping Iran obtain air defence systems.
The IRGC said on Thursday that one tanker struck a mine while attempting to cross a passage south of the Strait of Hormuz. Another supertanker reportedly caught fire while exiting the route in the eastern part of the waterway.
According to the Iranian force, a tugboat that approached the second vessel to help extinguish the fire also caught fire.
Tankers Catch Fire
The IRGC said the vessels had attempted to use routes that were not authorised for navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
It reported that the first tanker struck a mine while crossing a passage south of the strait, while the second vessel caught fire as it exited the route in the eastern section of the waterway.
The tugboat was reportedly affected while attempting to help the second tanker.
The IRGC did not provide further details about the vessels, their ownership, the extent of the damage or possible casualties. The claims had not been independently verified.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important energy shipping routes, carrying a significant share of global oil and gas supplies. Any disruption to commercial shipping in the area can raise concerns about energy security and international oil markets.
US Imposes Sanctions
Separately, the United States announced sanctions on Wednesday against two individuals and one company accused of helping Iran procure man-portable air-defence systems (MANPADS).
The US State Department said the measures were intended to disrupt networks allegedly assisting Tehran in rebuilding its military arsenal.
Iran Claims Interception of US Drone Near Strait of Hormuz Amid Peace Efforts
The designated individuals and entity were identified as Mohammed Ali Tolibov, chief executive of Belarus-based Armoury Alliance; Nigeria-based Vanguard Tactical Supply Limited; and Russia-based Alisher Domullodzhanov.
According to the State Department, the network allegedly attempted to facilitate the procurement of Chinese-origin MANPADS for Iran, including through the use of false end-users.
Washington Warns Suppliers
The State Department said the United States would continue identifying and disrupting networks accused of supplying weapons to Iran’s military and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
It added that Washington would seek to deny the Iranian government resources that it believes support destabilising activities in the region.
The latest sanctions come amid continuing tensions between Washington and Tehran, while the reported incidents in the Strait of Hormuz have added to uncertainty surrounding regional security and international shipping.
However, the IRGC’s account of the vessel fires and the US allegations concerning the arms procurement network remain claims by the respective authorities.
