Two oil tankers exploded in the Hormuz Strait, resulting in a large fire, as armed conflict in the region entered its seventh day on July 18.
According to the Iranian state news agency IRNA, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) stated that the explosions occurred around midnight local time after the vessels were deceived by U.S. intelligence while attempting to pass through a mine-laying area in the southern Hormuz Strait.
The explosions reportedly took place at approximately 12 a.m. local time. This incident comes as the U.S. and Iran have been exchanging airstrikes in the region, effectively abandoning a ceasefire agreement.
Iran has asserted its control over the Hormuz Strait, emphasizing that vessels must obtain permission to safely navigate the northern strait, which is closer to Iran.
The IRGC declared, "The Hormuz Strait has become extremely unstable due to U.S. aggression, and we firmly announce that it is completely closed. As long as U.S. acts of invasion continue, no chemical fertilizers or even a drop of crude oil or gas can be exported through this region."
They further advised, "Vessels should not be deceived to protect their assets and, above all, their lives. Do not enter the mine-laying area."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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