Baghdad:Tehran Iran’s Fars News Agency reported that a massive crude oil tanker exploded while exiting the Strait of Hormuz. The incident occurred on Saturday and involved a very large crude carrier (VLCC) that was allegedly targeted while leaving the strategic waterway.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Fars News Agency also released an image purportedly captured by the Sentinel-2 satellite, which shows a dark patch on the rear section of the vessel, behind its superstructure.

Iran has imposed restrictions on maritime traffic in parts of the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing conflict with the United States, mandating that vessels adhere to routes designated by Tehran. The United States and its regional allies have rejected these restrictions, asserting that ships have the right to navigate freely through the strait.

The reported explosion adds to escalating maritime tensions in the region. Recently, an Indian crude oil tanker was struck by a projectile in the strait last Friday. Additionally, maritime officials reported that a container ship and a bulk carrier sank near the waterway after being hit by projectiles in two separate incidents on Wednesday.