Iran says unlicensed tanker hit a mine and exploded in the Strait of Hormuz

TEHRAN, Iran — An unlicensed oil tanker struck a sea mine and exploded while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, Iran's official news agency Mehr reported, citing an unnamed source. The vessel had deviated from a navigation route set by Tehran, which had warned that ships straying from the channel would face consequences. Iran's deputy foreign minister told Omani officials that the strait's routes must be changed and said the waterway would not return to its pre-war state. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said regulating navigation through the strait was Iran's right and would not be relinquished under any circumstances. The statements came as Iran tightened its control over the strait, one of the world's most critical maritime corridors for crude oil shipments. No further details on the tanker or the extent of the damage were immediately available.