Iran Claims Oil Tanker Exploded on Mines in Strait of Hormuz
The Iranian Revolutionary Guards claimed that an oil tanker, EL GAIA, exploded after hitting naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz. The tanker was attempting to pass through a prohibited shipping zone when it struck the mines, according to the Revolutionary Guards' naval command.
The Guards stated that numerous warnings had been issued previously about the dangers posed by this route, and they declared that the Strait of Hormuz is blocked and under their complete control. Efforts to control the fire on the tanker failed, and it was engulfed in flames.
In response to the incident, U.S. President Donald Trump asserted that energy traffic in the Persian Gulf has full freedom of movement under American warship protection. He also stated that countries who have not helped the United States should reimburse them for any losses when the situation ends.