IRGC mines tanker in Strait of Hormuz, claims responsibility
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Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it detonated a mine under an oil tanker attempting to cross the Strait of Hormuz without coordination, according to state news agency Tasnim on July 23. The attack occurred as three tankers tried to pass a mined route south of the strait, with two turning back after the explosion and fire. Separately, satellite imagery suggests Iran may have seized the Greek-owned tanker Kavomaleas after it was hit by two projectiles on July 19.
The Strait of Hormuz Attack
The IRGC announced on July 23 that its naval forces had detonated a mine under an oil tanker attempting to cross the Strait of Hormuz without Iranian permission, as reported by Tasnim. According to the IRGC statement, three tankers 'under the influence of the US military' tried to traverse a mined route south of the strait, but after the explosion and a severe fire on one, the other two turned back. The IRGC vowed to continue blocking the strait until the US ceases 'aggressive actions' in the region, threatening any vessel that tries to cross without coordination.
The Kavomaleas Incident
The Financial Times reported early on July 23 that satellite imagery shows the tanker Kavomaleas, owned by Greek shipping magnate George Procopiou, was towed into Iranian waters after being struck by two projectiles in the Strait of Hormuz on the evening of July 19. The vessel was en route from Oman to the Persian Gulf when the attack occurred, causing a fire in the engine room and forcing the crew to evacuate. ESA satellite images from July 21 depict a ship matching the Kavomaleas's dimensions and deck color in Iranian territorial waters near Larek Island, with smoke rising from the engine room and an oil slick trailing behind.
Broader Context
Since the US-Israel war against Iran began, 45 vessels have been attacked in the region, but the Kavomaleas incident would be only the third case of Iran seizing a ship, according to the Financial Times. The vessel's owner, Dynacom, stated it had not authorized any movement of the ship and is trying to determine its location. Analysts believe the tanker was likely seized by Iran, as the area where the attack occurred is now empty.
What's Next
The IRGC has threatened further attacks on vessels attempting to cross the Strait of Hormuz without coordination. It remains unclear whether the Kavomaleas crew is safe or if diplomatic efforts to secure the ship's release have begun.
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IRGC mines tanker in Strait of Hormuz, claims responsibility
