The navy of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) said Saturday that a "violating" supertanker attempting to exit the Strait of Hormuz via an "unauthorized" route suffered a massive explosion after hitting naval mines.
In a statement published on the IRGC's official news outlet Sepah News, the navy said the vessel, carrying crude oil with its navigation and GPS systems switched off, caught fire after the blast.
It said the route had been designated high-risk, warning that such a fate awaits any violating oil tanker seeking to "disregard" Iran's regulations.
On Friday, the IRGC navy said its forces had hit a "giant" liquefied petroleum gas carrier identified as NV Sunshine as it sought to cross the strait through an "illegal" route south of the waterway.
The vessel's engine room and propulsion system caught fire, it said.
The navy said the U.S. military was responsible for such incidents and rising maritime tensions in the region.
It also warned that actions against violating vessels will no longer be limited to the Strait of Hormuz, and any vessel crossing unauthorized routes will be "punished."
Iran tightened its grip on the Strait of Hormuz on Feb. 28, barring safe passage of vessels belonging to or affiliated with Israel and the United States following their joint strikes on Iranian territory.
Iran's IRGC says "violating" supertanker exploded after hitting mines in Hormuz Strait
Chinese State Councilor Shen Yiqin urged China's para-athletes to aim for excellence at the upcoming Aichi-Nagoya Asian Para Games during a rally in Beijing on Saturday.
Shen, also head of the State Council Working Committee on Disability, visited the China Administration of Sports for Persons with Disabilities to meet with the Chinese delegation. She offered encouragement and motivation to the athletes, urging them to spare no effort in preparations and competition, and to bring greater honor to the motherland and the people.
Shen stressed the importance of using the Asian Para Games as practical experience to strengthen and prepare China's team for the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles. She called on the team to maintain high standards of sportsmanship and discipline, aiming for both athletic achievement and moral excellence.
Shen also emphasized the need to enhance friendly exchanges and better tell China's story and the story of Chinese persons with disabilities. She called for efforts to prevent and defuse various risks, ensuring the delegation's safety and success throughout the competition.
China announced on Saturday a 500-member delegation, including 312 athletes, to compete in 335 events across 17 sports at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Para Games, marking the country's largest athlete contingent for an overseas edition of the Games.
The athletes have an average age of 28.8, ranging from 16 to 50 years old. The delegation includes 146 male and 166 female athletes, all of whom are amateurs and include workers, students and freelancers.
The Aichi-Nagoya Asian Para Games will be held from Oct 18 to 24, featuring more than 500 events across 18 sports, including para swimming, wheelchair basketball and sitting volleyball, with more than 3,000 athletes from 45 countries and regions expected to take part.
It will be China's fifth appearance at the Asian Para Games.
Chinese state councilor meets Chinese Asian Para Games team
