Baghdad:Tehran A massive crude oil tanker has reportedly exploded while exiting the Strait of Hormuz, as per reports from Iran’s Fars News Agency. The incident involved a very large crude carrier (VLCC) that was allegedly targeted while leaving the strategic waterway.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the explosion was captured in a satellite image published by Fars News Agency. The image, reportedly from the Sentinel-2 satellite, shows a dark patch on the rear section of the vessel, behind its superstructure.

The Strait of Hormuz has been a focal point of maritime tensions, particularly between Iran and the United States. Iran has imposed maritime restrictions in parts of the strait, requiring vessels to adhere to routes designated by Tehran. These restrictions have been rejected by the United States and its regional allies, who assert the right to free navigation through the waterway.

The explosion adds to the recent series of maritime incidents in the region. An Indian crude oil tanker was hit by a projectile in the strait last Friday, and maritime officials reported that a container ship and a bulk carrier sank near the waterway after similar projectile attacks in two separate incidents on Wednesday.