An oil tanker exploded in the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday after striking a sea mine when it deviated from an Iran-approved navigation route, Iranian media reported. The vessel had switched off its radar system before hitting the mine on an unauthorised path through the waterway, according to Iranian reports.
The Iranian military said it blocked six ships from transiting the strait over 24 hours for taking illegal routes, with the Revolutionary Guard firing warning shots at the vessels. Iran had declared the strategic passage closed on July 12, prompting the United States to reimpose a naval blockade on Iranian ports two days later. Oman opened an alternative transit route earlier in July with U.S. backing.
Despite the escalation, attacks between Iran and the United States paused over the weekend. President Donald Trump reportedly ordered a reduction in strikes against Iran to create space for renewed talks, though Iran's foreign ministry denied on Monday that any negotiations with Washington are under way.