Iran’s IRGC falsely claims tanker struck naval mine, CENTCOM says

The Panama-flagged oil products tanker El Gaia was struck by a missile and a drone while transiting the Strait of Hormuz near Oman on September 13, sparking a fire that left one Indian crew member unaccounted for. Thirteen of the 14-person crew were rescued. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps told state media a different story: the tanker hit naval mines. US Central Command isn’t buying it, labeling the IRGC’s version as disinformation designed to intimidate commercial shipping in one of the world’s most critical maritime corridors. What actually happened The El Gaia, an oil products tanker built in 2005 with a deadweight tonnage of roughly 48,000, was transiting near Oman when it took a direct hit from a projectile. A fire broke out on board, forcing the evacuation of the all-Indian crew. UK Maritime Trade Operations, the Royal Navy’s monitoring arm for commercial shipping in the region, issued alerts consistent with a projectile strike. India’s Ministry of External Affairs condemned what it called an unacceptable attack on a commercial vessel carrying its nationals. The vessel is owned by El Gaia Shipping Inc. and managed by Elsey Ship Management LLC. One crew member remain...