U.S. rejects Iran’s mine claim as Hormuz shipping threat remains severe

U.S. Central Command is disputing an Iranian claim that a Panama-flagged tanker recently struck a naval mine in the Strait of Hormuz, saying instead that the ship was hit by Iranian weapons on two separate occasions. The US military maintains that a missile strike from Iran left the tanker disabled last month and that it was later attacked with a drone over the weekend while anchored off Oman.

Iran's account

According to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the Panama-flagged El Gaia struck naval mines in an area south of the Strait of Hormuz, leading to a fire aboard the vessel. The IRGC claim further states that El Gaia entered a restricted route and was hit by two unidentified projectiles while attempting to transit the strait.

U.S. Central Command's response

US Central Command (CENTCOM) has rejected Iran’s account, stating that the Iranian claims are false. CENTCOM stated in a statement: “The IRGC’s false claim is yet another example of their lies and intimidation attempts while they try to impede commercial vessels in the strait.” The U.S. military asserts that El Gaia was first hit by an Iranian missile last month, leaving the tanker inoperable. A drone attack then struck the vessel over the weekend as it was anchored off Oman.

Continued threats in the Strait of Hormuz

The ongoing dispute comes amidst severe warnings from maritime trade organizations and security assessments that the Strait remains a dangerous area for shipping. The Joint Maritime Information Center (JMIC) reported three vessels under attack within a 72-hour period during September, with each incident involving unknown projectiles.

On September 10, a tanker observed another vessel on fire about six nautical miles ahead. The master later reported that two unidentified ships had struck the unseen vessel by two unknown projectiles. Another incident occurred late on September 12 when a fully loaded tanker was hit by an unknown projectile while transiting the Strait and subsequently experienced a severe fire aboard.

The JMIC continues to rate the threat in the Strait of Hormuz as SEVERE, warning that deliberate hostile action remains highly likely. The center also warns about possible mining activity near Traffic Separation Schemes, along with projectile attacks, IRGC surveillance, VHF hailing and efforts to influence vessel routing.

Operational implications

The ongoing dispute and severe threats in the Strait of Hormuz have significant operational consequences for ship operators. Routes through the strait are critical for global trade, particularly oil shipments from the Persian Gulf. Navigating these waters requires heightened vigilance and potential rerouting to avoid areas deemed high risk by maritime security advisories.

Ship owners and operators must closely monitor real-time warnings provided by organizations like JMIC and adhere to recommended shipping routes and safety measures to mitigate risks associated with piracy, mine threats, and hostile activity. Vessels operating in the region may face increased fuel costs due to extended routes or more frequent security assessments.

Additionally, international insurance rates for ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz are likely to increase as operators seek greater coverage for potential attacks. These factors underscore the need for robust risk management strategies and proactive communication with maritime security services in the region.

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