Rule-Breaking Tankers Blow Up in Hormuz, Tehran Cites Mines

Tehran, November 2: Explosions have hit a supertanker and another oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz, according to Iran's Revolutionary Guard navy, which described both vessels as rule breakers.

The navy says the two ships reportedly hit naval mines within the past few hours. The blasts caused both tankers to stop in the strait.

In a Sunday statement, local time, published on the IRGC-run Sepah News outlet, the navy said the vessels had been using an 'unauthorised' passage through the waterway. The supertanker was said to have suffered 'a huge blast' and was now burning. Both ships had reportedly shut down their navigation and identification systems.

Iran tightened its hold on the strait on February 28, blocking the safe passage of ships belonging to Israel and the United States, or those connected to them. The step followed joint strikes by the two countries on Iranian soil.

IRGC spokesperson Hossein Mohebbi had earlier said Iranian forces had set out a vast battlefield to damage and hold back the 'enemy.'

Speaking at a conference in Kerman province, southeastern Iran, on Sunday, local time, Mohebbi said Iranian forces were more determined than ever to deliver a 'decisive response to the enemy.' He cited recent orders from Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei to senior military commanders, claiming these had begun 'a new chapter in the war.'

He specifically quoted Khamenei saying that 'there is no geographical limit to the war with America.' Mohebbi added that the IRGC's plans now included identifying new enemy locations and planning operations across new geographic areas.

On Saturday, a statement said the Supreme Leader had instructed senior armed forces commanders to respond 'promptly and effectively' to any threat of any level or kind from 'enemies,' regardless of geography.

The warnings come as US threats of military action against Iran have sharpened.

US military officials reportedly briefed President Donald Trump on Iran-related options on Thursday. Several Gulf countries have reportedly been notified by Washington to prepare for a possible short but sharp military campaign against Iran after the US midterm elections.