JAKARTA - An oil tanker is reported to have exploded in the Strait of Hormuz after it was said to have hit a sea mine. Iranian media said the ship deviated from the shipping route that Tehran had set.
Anadolu Agency, quoted on Sunday, July 26, reported that the information was conveyed by Iranian media on Sunday. A source familiar with the incident told the Defapress news site that the tanker had run out of track before colliding with a mine in the strategic waters. The statement was also quoted by Iran's semi-official news agency, Mehr News Agency.
There is no information about casualties. The identity of the ship has also not been announced. The extent of the damage caused by the explosion is not yet known.
Sea mines are explosives that are installed in waters and can explode when they hit or approach a ship.
The Strait of Hormuz is an important point in the world's energy flow. This narrow channel is often a concern whenever tensions between the United States and Iran increase.
On June 26, Iran warned that shipping through the Strait of Hormuz "is only allowed" through routes set by Tehran.
Tensions between the US and Iran have risen in recent weeks. Washington launched an attack on Iran. Tehran then retaliated by targeting what it called US military facilities and equipment in a number of regional countries.
On July 8, US President Donald Trump declared the previous month's memorandum of understanding with Iran had "ended". He accused Tehran of violating the agreement.
Trump's statement came after an attack on three tankers in the Strait of Hormuz. Differences over navigation rules in the strategic waterway have also resurfaced.
Washington has called for navigation through the Strait of Hormuz not to be restricted. Instead, Tehran insists that ships must pass through a route near its coastline based on an Iranian-run navigation mechanism.
Anadolu noted that there was no official information regarding the victims, the identity of the ship, or the level of damage. There was also no further information regarding the tanker's cargo and sailing destination.
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