IRGC: Two oil tankers hit mines in Strait of Hormuz

Two oil tankers hit mines and caught fire after allegedly following a mined route through the Strait of Hormuz, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has said.

The IRGC noted that the vessels had followed an “illegal route” recommended by the United States and hit mines several hours earlier, Caliber.Az reports.

The crews had been disembarked beforehand, while the vessels themselves had been handed over to US representatives.

According to the IRGC, the force’s naval forces had previously warned shipping companies about the dangers of using the route.

The IRGC also said additional measures would be taken against companies that, despite the warnings, followed US recommendations and sent their vessels along the route.

The measures are expected to be introduced in the near future.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov