Iranian Navy Says Tanker Caught Fire East of Strait of Hormuz

Iran’s Navy said patrol teams found an oil tanker burning Thursday in a restricted area east of the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global energy supplies.

The Navy described the detection as part of a routine patrol. It alleged the tanker was attempting to cross a restricted area in the Sea of Oman with its tracking systems disabled. The Navy also asserted that it maintains full control and surveillance of the strait.

On Oct. 9, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ claim that it struck an LPG tanker in the Strait of Hormuz involved a separate fire. The group said the vessel caught fire and warned that ships it deemed in violation outside the strait could be punished.

The Strait connects Persian Gulf shipping with global oil markets, making tanker traffic through the waterway significant to energy supplies.