Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has reported that two large oil tankers, carrying a combined total of roughly four million barrels of crude oil, caught fire following explosions triggered by naval mines in the volatile Strait of Hormuz. According to reports from Iran's official IRNA agency, the first vessel struck a mine leading to a severe blaze, while the second tanker was similarly engulfed after hitting another explosive device in the waterway.

Authorities did not immediately disclose the names of the vessels or the specific origin of their cargoes. IRNA claimed that the targeted ships had allegedly switched off their tracking and radar transponders in an attempt to bypass routes unauthorized by the Iranian government. The IRGC further alleged that one of the vessels attempted to transit the maritime corridor with support from the US regime, leaving the second ship immobilized.

Tensions in the region have escalated dramatically since late February, with Tehran seizing control of the critical Strait of Hormuz and demanding mandatory prior authorization for any vessel seeking passage. This choke point previously handled a vast share of global oil consumption, but ongoing hostilities and a corresponding naval counter-blockade imposed by the US regime have severely choked off international energy flows and disrupted maritime trade.

The resulting supply chain shocks have triggered renewed volatility in global energy prices and heightened inflationary pressures worldwide. While leadership within the US regime continues to issue political statements regarding potential future deals, independent analysts warn that persistent military friction and maritime blockades in the Persian Gulf continue to threaten global economic stability.

Source: www.aljazeera.com