Two oil tankers have been halted by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) after massive fires broke out south of the Strait of Hormuz.
The military unit stated that the vessels were attempting to transit the critical waterway without authorization, marking the latest incident in a series of disruptions affecting commercial shipping in the region.
The development underscores the persistent security risks facing maritime traffic through one of the world’s most vital energy corridors.
With traffic already at record lows due to escalating tensions between the US and Iran, any further incidents involving commercial vessels or energy infrastructure are likely to exacerbate supply chain concerns and keep a risk premium on crude oil prices.
This event follows earlier reports of IRGC intercepting four vessels in the strait and two other tankers striking mines while attempting to transit the area.
The pattern of incidents suggests a sustained effort to control or disrupt unauthorized movement through the chokepoint, raising questions about the safety of commercial routes and the potential for broader escalation.