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2026-09-15 17:42:09
[Conflicting Accounts Between the Two Sides in the Hormuz Tanker Incident, Tensions Continue to Rise in the Strait] ⑴ The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Navy stated on Monday that an oil tanker struck a mine and caught fire while attempting to pass through a channel south of the Strait of Hormuz, which it calls a restricted area. The fire became uncontrollable and spread throughout the vessel. ⑵ Iran claims the ship had been warned beforehand not to use what it calls an illegal channel and asserts that the Strait of Hormuz is closed and under its control. ⑶ The vessel involved is a Panamanian-flagged oil tanker, approximately 180 meters long and with a deadweight tonnage of approximately 48,000 tons. ⑷ The US Central Command offers a different account, stating that the tanker did not strike a mine, but was attacked last month and rendered inoperable. It was also attacked by a drone off the coast of Oman last weekend and is currently being towed by regional partners. ⑸ There are significant inconsistencies in the accounts of the incident between the two sides. ⑹ These discrepancies arose after Oman announced the postponement of a meeting between Iran and Gulf states regarding arrangements in the Strait of Hormuz. Oman's Foreign Minister stated that the postponement was to build consensus and emphasized continued dialogue to support regional stability and cooperation. (7) The Strait of Hormuz has become a major point of friction between the US and Iran. The US previously imposed a maritime blockade on Iran, which was briefly suspended under an agreement, but was reinstated due to renewed conflict. (8) Last week, Iran also announced the establishment of a new restricted area near the Strait of Hormuz, extending into parts of the Persian Gulf. Ships entering this area will be added to Iran's sanctions list. (9) The market will focus on whether passage through the strait will be further disrupted, and whether the relevant parties can return to dialogue, in order to assess changes in energy transport risk premiums.
