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Posted on 04/01/2026 12:04:01 PM PDT by MeanWestTexan
An Iranian tanker from the country's shadow fleet caught fire after being struck by its own naval forces in the Strait of Hormuz.
Omani authorities reported that 20 crew members, including 15 Indians, were rescued as the vessel continued to sink.
The tanker, part of a network used to bypass international sanctions, was reportedly targeted for "illegally passing" through the strategic waterway.
After being hit, fires erupted on board, forcing a rapid evacuation by nearby rescue teams.
Shadow fleet strike sparks chaos
The vessel, managed by Red Sea Ship Management LLC, had been sanctioned by the US Treasury in December 2025 as part of Iran's shadow fleet network.
This illegal network transports oil and petroleum products in circumvention of global energy sanctions.
The incident highlights a major misstep by Iranian naval forces, which accidentally attacked one of their own sanctioned tankers.
Analysts describe it as an example of internal disarray and coordination failures within the fleet.
Omani authorities confirmed the rescue of all 20 crew members, who were taken safely to shore.
The tanker remains partially submerged, with firefighting and salvage operations ongoing to prevent further environmental impact.
The Iranian regime has not publicly explained the attack, though sources indicate it was intended to enforce control over vessels transiting the Strait.
The move instead exposed operational chaos within Iranian naval forces and heightened serious risks to regional maritime safety.
Broader implications for regional shipping The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial chokepoint for global oil shipments, with roughly one-fifth of the world's petroleum passing through it daily.
Accidental strikes against own fleet vessels amplify concerns about navigational safety and operational competence.
Countries including India have voiced concern for their citizens aboard the tanker while emphasizing the need for regional stability.
Analysts say the incident illustrates risks in Iran's shadow fleet operations and the potential consequences of mismanaged enforcement measures.
The attack comes amid ongoing US sanctions on shadow-fleet entities and their operators, aimed at curbing illicit oil transport.
The sinking of the tanker is a stark reminder of the Iranian regime's internal coordination challenges.
The incident underscores Iranian ineptitude in restricting access to the Strait of Hormuz, revealing confusion among their ranks and jeopardizing global shipping routes.
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Let’s see them try to blame the Israelis for this one...
Obviously a sign of Trump’s woeful underestimation of Iran’s military strength.
It was Jooo magic.
This doesn’t help, as the bottom line is it’s still a very dangerous place for ships, of all kinds.
Well, tell the Iranians to not attack their own smuggling ships.
Struck by WHAT? (The article doesn’t say).
Who is Al Fassell and what is their proof? I just searched well known news sites and saw no mention of it, only of a ship linked to Qatar being hit.
As noted in the first post, this is a month old.
“Who is Al Fassell and what is their proof? I just searched well known news sites and saw no mention of it, only of a ship linked to Qatar being hit.”
Maybe now you should realize that “well-known news sites” are full of Shiite.
As for what is “Al-Fassel”, it’s a Saudi-based news site. Very conservative and pro-American.
As for confirmation:
https://maritime-hub.com/iranian-forces-strike-tanker-skylight-near-strait-of-hormuz/
https://gcaptain.com/sanctioned-tanker-skylight-attacked-oman-hormuz/
Whoops! I’ll bet a lot of heads rolled.
This happened a month ago. So, ipso facto, Trump did Iran’s oil industry a favor by destroying Iran’s Navy. You’re welcome, Iran’s oil industry.
It’s a pretty amazing blunder.
I suppose the MSM didn’t cover it because it make their allies, the Iranians, look like idiots.
Tell you of the level of TDS.
“Struck by WHAT? (The article doesn’t say).”
None of the articles say. There were a lot of drone attacks that day, so that’s my assumption, but I didn’t think Iranian drones can hit a moving target.
Weird how an Iranian tanker would need to employ Indian crew...
I looked around a bit and some versions of Iranian drones include terminal guidance (e.g., electro-optical/infrared seekers or operator-in-the-loop via satellite datalink like Iridium) that allow them to acquire and adjust for moving targets in the final phase. A 2023 UN-related report noted a Shahed-136 variant used against moving vessels in the Gulf of Oman, requiring a sensor to lock on.
If you are wondering why I am saying “drone”, it’s because I’ve seen missile damage and there’s usually a pretty good crater in the target from the velocity of the missile. Drones are slow and just kind of blow up.
Thanks for the links. From several of them, “The Skylight is a Palau-flagged vessel.”
From the pictures, it’s empty, riding high in the water, so no oil, Iranian or otherwise, was being transported.
From at least one of the links, “Iranian state media claimed the vessel was targeted because it was illegally attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz.”
They are charging a toll now for crossing through, you know?
So this happened while they still HAD a navy.
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