The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy announced on Friday that two oil tankers attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz through a prohibited maritime corridor struck naval mines, caught fire, and were forced to stop.
In a statement issued by its Public Relations Office, the IRGC Navy said one tanker was located east of the Strait of Hormuz and the other inside the waterway. Both vessels were attempting to navigate an unauthorized route while their navigation and identification systems were switched off.
The statement said the tankers were attempting to pass through the prohibited corridor with the support of the US military before striking mines and catching fire.
The IRGC Navy stressed that the Strait of Hormuz “remains closed and will stay so until seven conditions are met,” referring to conditions set by the Islamic Republic to hold a deal to end the conflict with the US.
It warned that attempts by US Central Command (CENTCOM) forces to force oil tankers through the unauthorized, mine-contaminated corridor would result in further defeats.
“Attempts by the aggressive CENTCOM forces to compel oil tankers to transit through the unauthorized and mine-contaminated area will only result in successive and humiliating defeats,” the statement read.
Source: Al-Manar English Website