TANKER STRIKES MINE IN THE STRAIT OF HORMUZ

TEHRAN, NOVEMBER 14 /SRNA/ - An oil tanker struck a sea mine in the Strait of Hormuz this morning and caught fire, the Iranian Navy said.

Iranian broadcaster Press TV reported that the tanker hit the mine in an area that the Iranian military had designated as off-limits to navigation.

Iran had previously imposed restrictions on vessels seeking to pass through the Strait of Hormuz and attacked ships it claimed had violated those restrictions.

Maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has been severely restricted since the launch of the US and Israeli military operation against Iran on February 28, RIA Novosti reports.

Tehran intends to maintain these restrictions until its demands are met, including the lifting of the US blockade and sanctions.