Iran's Revolutionary Guards Say Oil Tanker Ablaze in Strait of Hormuz After Hitting Mine

TEHRAN, Oct 19 — Iran's Revolutionary Guards said Monday that an oil tanker caught fire in the Strait of Hormuz after hitting a mine, the latest in a string of such incidents since Tehran tightened its grip on the vital waterway.

Iran seized control of the strait after war broke out against the United States and Israel in late February, choking off a shipping route that normally carries about a fifth of the world's oil. The Islamic republic has demanded that all ships seek its authorization before transiting.

"An oil tanker, which was in violation, struck a naval mine south of the Strait of Hormuz, resulting in an explosion and a fire in its engine room," Iranian state media quoted the Guards as saying.

The tanker was traveling in the strait's "unauthorized southern route" and had disabled its positioning and navigation systems, according to the statement.

The incident came a day after the Guards said two oil tankers caught fire in the strait, both after hitting mines.

Admiral Ali Ozmaei, the Guards' naval commander, warned this week that any vessel that deactivated its navigation systems would be considered "hostile."

The United States has imposed a naval counter-blockade on Iranian oil exports in response to Tehran's blockade of the waterway.

• Iran's Revolutionary Guards reported an oil tanker fire in the Strait of Hormuz after a mine strike
• The tanker was allegedly traveling an unauthorized route with navigation systems disabled
• Two other oil tankers caught fire in the strait a day earlier, also after hitting mines
• The U.S. has imposed a naval counter-blockade on Iranian oil exports

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