Two oil tankers hit mines in Strait of Hormuz
The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) said two oil tankers had been stopped after hitting sea mines in the Strait of Hormuz, warning shipping companies against following US instructions and using unauthorized routes.
In a statement on Wednesday, the IRGC announced the two tankers had evacuated their crews after being encouraged by the US military and had been placed at the disposal of American-linked elements to pass through an unauthorized route, IRNA reported.
The statement noted that the IRGC Navy had previously warned vessels about the dangers of passing through mined areas.
“Additional punishments have been envisaged for shipping companies that, instead of following legal routes, are deceived by the Americans, and these measures will soon be implemented,” the IRGC warned.
Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz following the launch of the latest bout of unprovoked American-Israeli aggression against the country on February 28.
Iran and the United States agreed on a 60-day reopening period as part of a Pakistan-mediated memorandum of understanding in June, but American violations forced Tehran to reestablish the closure.
Tehran has conditioned reopening of the waterway on the implementation of the Islamabad agreement.
The peace memo had recognized Iran’s rights and sovereignty over the strategic conduit, and said Iran was responsible for removing restrictions that it has imposed over the Strait of Hormuz for vessels affiliated with aggressors and their supporters since the start of the aggression.
However, the US attempted to undermine Iran’s sovereignty by establishing an unsafe corridor near the Omani shores.
Tehran says any movement in the energy chokepoint must be conducted under Iranian arrangements, as per the understanding.