TehranA 2-million-barrel supertanker burned after hitting a Hormuz mine, Russian state news agency TASS and Iran’s state Mehr agency reported.
Hormuz traffic averaged 3.7 ships a day to 18 October, 10% below its 90-day normal.
The Revolutionary Guards say 3 tankers hit mines on routes Tehran calls illegal, with radar and navigation switched off.
The Guards warn owners and crews on unauthorized routes will be held responsible and face a firm response.
How each outlet framed it
These outlets told this story differently.
- TASS leans critical
- relays IRGC claims that US warships were pushed 700 km from Hormuz and that US smuggling amounts to one to two barrels, without independent verification
- Mehr News Agency leans critical
- carries the IRGC Navy's account that the tanker switched off radar and used the unauthorised southern route, and warns owners and crews they will be held responsible
- Middle East Eye leans critical
- reports the IRGC's claim that three tankers were halted by mines on an illegal crossing, citing the Sepah News statement and the state TV announcement
Sources: TASS, Mehr News Agency, Middle East Eye