Two Hormuz oil tankers on fire, Iran Guards say

Iran's Revolutionary Guards said Tuesday that two oil tankers were on fire in the Strait of Hormuz after what they described as violations of Tehran's authorised routes.

The Guards said one vessel, a supertanker, struck a naval mine and exploded. They said a second tanker, which they described as being escorted by the US military and attempting covert passage by an illegal route, also had an incident.

The Guards did not name the tankers or give their origins.

Iran has severely restricted traffic through the strait since the Middle East war began in late February, insisting vessels use routes authorised by Tehran. The United States has imposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports and helped tankers travel through Hormuz, which normally carries about one-fifth of global oil.

Tehran has made several recent announcements saying ships had caught fire in the strait. It has said some vessels struck mines, while the US military recently said all mines had been cleared from the waterway. US Central Command said last month that it had helped Gulf countries export 1.5 billion barrels of oil through Hormuz since the summer.