Iran’s Revolutionary Guards navy says a tanker carrying liquefied natural gas (LNG) struck a naval mine and suffered an explosion in the Strait of Hormuz on Friday, Nov. 13, according to Iranian state media.
The claim has not been independently confirmed.
The story in 7 points
- Iran says an LNG tanker hit a naval mine in the Strait of Hormuz on Nov. 13.
- The report came from Iran’s Revolutionary Guards navy via state media.
- Iran claimed the vessel was using an “unauthorised and dangerous route.”
- No details on the tanker, its crew or any casualties were immediately available.
- The claim has not been independently confirmed.
- Iranian media also reported that four oil tankers were hit by explosions in the waterway on Thursday.
- The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important routes for oil and gas shipments.
The incident is the latest in a series of reported explosions involving tankers in the strait, which connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman. A large share of the world’s oil and LNG exports passes through the narrow waterway.
Why it matters
Attacks or mines in the Strait of Hormuz can quickly push up oil and gas prices and raise shipping and insurance costs worldwide. Further incidents would increase the risk of a wider disruption to global energy supplies.
Sources: Reuters via Arab News, Reuters via ThePrint