The Revolutionary Guard of Iran said two oil tankers exploded on the night of July 19 while trying to handle a route it called “unsafe” south of the Strait of Oman (Ormuz), a claim that follows a recent denial by the United States of a similar incident.
Iranian statement and lack of details
The Guard released a statement through the Tasnim news agency, describing the two vessels as “offending ships” allegedly “instigated and coerced” by the United States. The communiqué said the ships “exploded and were immobilized,” but it did not identify the vessels, explain the cause of the blasts, or mention any casualties.
In the same release, the elite force asserted that the U.S. military presence in the region “lacks any legal legitimacy” and warned it would “respond firmly” to any further intervention. It added that as long as Washington continues its actions, the passage through the strait “will not be safe” for the flow of goods, oil and gas.
What other sources reported
Earlier on Sunday, the United Kingdom’s Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), which monitors shipping safety, reported a vessel on fire eight nautical miles northwest of Kumzar in Oman. The agency cited military authorities for the information and said the cause of the fire had not yet been verified.
Related: World Cup closing ceremony starts tonight
The UKMTO notice placed the incident in the same general area where the Iranian Guard later said two other ships had a “incident” while attempting to cross the strait via the route Tehran deems unsafe. The statement added that two additional vessels following the first pair turned back and did not proceed through the contested channel.
Both Tehran and Washington have escalated military activity in the region since July 11, with U.S. strikes on Iranian soil and Iranian retaliatory actions against U.S. interests across the Middle East. Iran maintains that it seeks to control the strategic waterway and wants vessels to use routes it authorizes, a stance that the United States and several regional nations reject.
Oman opened a second navigation route in early July with U.S. backing, aiming to keep commercial traffic flowing despite the heightened tensions. Meanwhile, Washington reinstated a naval blockade on Iranian ships and ports in the strait on Tuesday, two days after Tehran announced a new closure of the passage that previously handled about 20 % of global oil shipments.
Given the limited information, it is difficult to assess the exact nature of the explosions. The Iranian statement frames the event as a direct result of U.S. provocation, while the UKMTO notice suggests an unrelated fire of uncertain origin. Both narratives reflect the broader strategic contest over the strait, a chokepoint that has long been a flashpoint for regional power struggles.
Related: World Cup 2026 Semifinals Current Matchups Overview
If investigations find technical failures or non‑political causes, the episode might be used by each side to reinforce existing narratives without escalating conflict.
Shipping companies remain cautious, monitoring official advisories and adjusting routes where possible.
The strait continues to be a vital artery for global energy markets.
Leave a Reply