Tanker Blows Up in Strait of Hormuz After Hitting Mine

An oil tanker exploded in the Strait of Hormuz after hitting a mine on Sunday, according to Iran's military-linked state media. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) reported that the tanker had strayed from its designated route and hit a sea mine.

The IRGC has been warning ships about using unauthorized routes through the strait, which is a critical oil chokepoint. Traffic along the strait has plummeted by 70% since the US-Iran cease-fire broke down earlier this month.

Iran claims to have intercepted at least six vessels in the past 24 hours, forcing them to turn back after attempting an unauthorized crossing. The IRGC also halted four more ships on Saturday from trying to cross without permission.