US Challenges Iran's Mine Claim on El Gaia Tanker Incident

Sep 14, 2026

62 min

Sep 14, 2026 23:30

US disputes Iran mine claim, says El Gaia crude oil tanker was hit by Iranian missile and drone instead

## US Refutes Iran's Mine Claim

The United States has dismissed Iran's assertion that the Panama-flagged oil tanker El Gaia was damaged by a naval mine in the Strait of Hormuz. According to the US Central Command, the tanker was actually struck by an Iranian missile and later targeted by a drone while off the coast of Oman.

## Incident Details

The El Gaia, which was active with port calls in early September 2026, was reportedly rendered inoperable by the missile attack. The US military claims the drone strike occurred while the tanker was stationary in Omani waters, necessitating a tow by a regional partner.

## Conflicting Accounts

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) maintains that the tanker hit a mine while navigating what they described as an "unsafe route" in the Strait of Hormuz. They argue that the vessel ignored warnings and was operating in a closed area under Iran's control.

## Verification and Reactions

While the IRGC's mine claim is contested by the US, the UK's Maritime Trade Operations and India's Ministry of External Affairs have confirmed a "projectile attack" on September 13. The US views Iran's narrative as an attempt to assert control over the strategic waterway, challenging international maritime norms.

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