rki.news | Source: Xinhua
Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy said Wednesday that a container ship sank after hitting a naval mine south of the Strait of Hormuz.
In a statement published by its official outlet Sepah News, the IRGC said the vessel was crossing the waterway via an “unauthorized and high-risk” route when an explosion caused a fire. The ship carried more than 2,500 containers.
The navy urged ships and fishing boats to exercise caution around floating containers.
IRGC Navy commander Ali Azmaei said Tuesday that Iranian forces controlled the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz around the clock, while the Iranian Army’s Navy supervised the Gulf of Oman, according to state-run IRIB TV.
Azmaei said vessels crossing the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz must obtain authorization and comply with international regulations. He warned that ships violating navigation rules under what he described as US “deception or provocation” would face a decisive response.
Iran tightened restrictions on passage through the Strait of Hormuz on Feb. 28, barring safe passage for vessels belonging to or affiliated with Israel and the United States following joint strikes on Iranian territory, according to the report.
Iranian Guards Say Container Ship Sinks After Mine Strike
