Doha:Tehran An oil tanker caught fire and became immobilized after striking naval mines in a restricted area east of the Strait of Hormuz, as reported by the Iranian Navy on Thursday.

According to Anadolu Agency – English, the tanker was navigating through a prohibited and unsafe area when it struck naval mines, resulting in damage and a fire. The Iranian Navy's public relations office, as reported by the Tasnim News Agency, stated that the incident occurred before noon.

The Iranian Navy noted that the vessel was in violation of maritime restrictions but did not disclose the name of the tanker, its flag, or the size of its crew. The statement emphasized that the Strait of Hormuz is closed to vessels attempting unauthorized passage through restricted and unsafe areas.

The navy also accused US President Donald Trump of making misleading claims regarding passage through the strategic waterway. It warned that unauthorized navigation in high-risk areas poses a serious threat to the safety of vessels and their crews.

The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial passage for global oil shipments and has experienced significant disruptions following attacks by the US and Israel on Iran on February 28, leading to a regional conflict. Despite a Pakistan-mediated memorandum signed by Washington and Tehran on June 18, tensions over maritime restrictions and freedom of navigation through the strait have continued.