01:32The IRGC says the tanker had been warned multiple times about the dangers of using what it described as an
01:40illegal route, but according to Iran, the vessel proceeded anyway.
01:45The result? An explosion, followed by a fire that Iranian authorities say they were unable to contain.
01:52The IRGC says the entire tanker was eventually engulfed in flames.
01:57Now, this incident is significant because of where it happened.
02:02The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most strategically important maritime choke points.
02:07And any disruption to tanker traffic through these waters can immediately raise concerns about regional energy supplies, shipping security, and
02:17global oil markets.
02:18Iran is also sending a much broader message.
02:21The IRGC says the Strait of Hormuz is blocked and remains under Iranian control.
02:27That claim comes as diplomatic efforts are already underway to restore regular commercial tanker traffic through the waterway.
02:35Earlier, Iranian and Gulf representatives were expected to meet in Oman to discuss a framework for reopening the Strait.
02:45Iran, meanwhile, reportedly said the postponement was a joint decision between Tehran and Oman, following a request from countries in
03:02the region.
03:03So while diplomacy is being delayed, the Strait of Hormuz remains a major flashpoint.
03:09The El Gaya was reportedly last tracked on September 5th, when it was anchored at Oman's port of Sohar.
03:16And now, Iran says the Panama-flag tanker has caught fire after hitting naval mines near the Strait.
03:23But there is an important caveat.
03:26These are Iranian claims about the cause of the explosion and the circumstances surrounding the tanker entering the area.
03:33Independent confirmation of exactly what happened, including whether the vessel struck Iranian naval mines, remains crucial.
03:42What is clear is that the incident comes at an extremely sensitive moment.
03:47Gulf states are already exploring alternative export routes to bypass the Strait,
03:52while Oman continues trying to mediate a return to more regular tanker traffic.
03:57But regional governments have made clear that they do not want severely restricted traffic through Hormuz to become the new
04:04normal.
04:05And now, with an oil tanker reportedly engulfed in flames,
04:09the crisis surrounding one of the world's most important waterways has just become even more dangerous.
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