Iran declares Strait of Hormuz closed after tanker mine strike

Iranian naval authorities declared the Strait of Hormuz closed to commercial traffic that does not coordinate with Tehran after a tanker struck a naval mine east of the waterway and caught fire.

The incident occurred early on Thursday, October 29, when an unauthorized vessel entered a restricted and unsafe area, according to the Iranian Army Navy Public Relations statement.

“The Strait of Hormuz is closed to violating ships that intend to pass through prohibited and unsafe areas without coordination and relying on the lies of the US President.”

The tanker was severely damaged and left unable to move, but UKMTO reported no injuries to the crew and no environmental impact at the time.

Iranian officials blamed the attack on vessels trusting what they called the lies of the U.S. president and warned that uncoordinated passages would continue to endanger international crews.

Tehran also dismissed U.S. Central Command claims that primary shipping lanes had been cleared of explosives, demanding concrete proof instead of media statements.

IRGC Major General Yazidi stated the strait will remain closed under the control of the warriors of Islam until Iran's conditions are met.

The waterway is now effectively divided, with the United States advising ships to use southern waters while Iran demands all vessels use Iranian-authorized northern routes.