Iran’s military has reported that an oil tanker caught fire in the Gulf of Oman while allegedly attempting to cross a restricted maritime zone with its tracking systems switched off.
Iranian state television reported on Thursday that naval surveillance teams detected the vessel during patrol operations. Military officials described the tanker as non-compliant and claimed it was attempting to navigate through an unauthorised area.
However, authorities have not identified the tanker, its flag or its operator. The cause of the fire and the responsibility for the incident also remain unclear.
Iran Says Vessel Entered Restricted Zone
According to the military statement, the tanker had disabled its tracking systems before attempting to cross the prohibited zone. Iranian officials said surveillance teams subsequently detected the vessel on fire.
The United States Central Command, which oversees American military operations in the region and is enforcing a blockade on Iranian ports, had not immediately commented on the incident.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards announced the boundaries of the restricted maritime zone in September. The designated area reportedly covers parts of the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea along routes leading towards the Strait of Hormuz.
Tehran previously warned that vessels entering the zone without authorisation could face penalties, although it did not explicitly threaten military action against them.
Maritime Security Concerns Intensify
The incident comes amid heightened tensions surrounding shipping routes near the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for global energy supplies.
Iran has declared the strategic waterway closed since the war with the United States began in February. Iranian naval forces have also repeatedly targeted vessels they accused of using unauthorised routes.
The latest tanker fire adds to concerns about the safety of commercial shipping across the region. Any further disruption could affect oil transportation, increase shipping costs and create additional uncertainty in global energy markets.
For now, key details remain unconfirmed, including the extent of the damage, the condition of the crew and what caused the fire.
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