IRGC Navy Command said the Panama-flagged EL GAIA, a 180-meter/48,000 DWT tanker (IMO 9325336), struck a naval mine in a restricted area south of the Strait of Hormuz on Sep 14, causing an explosion and major fire that engulfed the vessel [1]. The IRGC said warnings had been issued about using what it called an 'illegal passage' and declared 'The Strait of Hormuz is closed and remains under our smart control' [1]. CENTCOM rejected the mine account, saying the vessel had been struck by an Iranian missile the prior month and hit again by an Iranian drone, and was being towed by a regional partner [2]. No independent confirmation of either account; casualty and damage details remain unconfirmed [1][2]. The Trump administration had stated all Hormuz mines were removed or destroyed, making the IRGC mine claim notable if verified [2]. The insurance-based effective closure remains operative and oil passage through Hormuz cannot be confirmed from available sources [1][2].