The IRGC Navy public relations unit said three oil tankers struck sea mines,
exploded and caught fire while transiting an unauthorized route south of the
Strait of Hormuz in the past 24 hours; the vessels were abandoned and left along
the southern coast. The statement said the ships had shut off all radar and
navigation systems and ignored IRGC warnings as they attempted to flee the
unauthorized lane. The IRGC said the route is contaminated, that shipowners and
crews are responsible for using it and should not trust CENTCOM social media,
and warned that provocations, particularly those it alleges are supported by
CENTCOM, will be met with force.
