The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of Iran reported that an oil tanker named EL GAIA caught fire after striking naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz. The tanker was navigating through a passage that Iranian authorities had marked as off-limits. Despite efforts to control the blaze, Iranian officials stated that the fire was not contained.
According to the IRGC Navy, the incident happened when EL GAIA attempted to traverse a restricted route south of the strategically critical waterway. Iranian authorities had previously issued warnings about the dangers of utilizing this prohibited path and emphasized that Iranian naval forces maintain control over the Strait of Hormuz, which remains closed to unauthorized navigation.
In response to the incident, Iran’s Persian Gulf Strait Authority cautioned insurance firms, protection and indemnity insurers, and classification societies against offering services to ships that violate the imposed maritime traffic restrictions. These measures highlight the increasing tension surrounding the Strait, a vital corridor for global oil and gas supplies, and raise concerns about potential disruptions to international energy markets.
The tightened maritime controls over the Strait of Hormuz by Iran followed US-Israeli military actions against Iran on February 28. In addition, US forces have enacted a naval blockade targeting vessels traveling to and from Iranian ports. These developments have further complicated navigation in one of the world’s most crucial energy routes, impacting global economic stability.