Iran Says Two Tankers Hit Mines in Strait of Hormuz

Two oil tankers struck naval mines and caught fire in the Strait of Hormuz, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said, according to Reuters. The IRGC claims the vessels attempted to pass through a prohibited section of the strait without coordinating with Iranian authorities, despite repeated warnings about the danger of the route. One of the vessels, described as a supertanker, reportedly struck a mine, triggering a powerful explosion and fire. The second tanker was also damaged in the blast. Iranian military officials said both ships were sailing with their navigation systems turned off, and alleged that one tanker attempted to cross the strait under the cover of U.S. fighter jets. There is currently no independent confirmation of these details. The incident follows a series of similar reports from Iran involving commercial vessels in the area. On 14 Nov 2026, Iranian forces reported another tanker that allegedly struck a mine in the eastern part of the strait and lost the ability to move. The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world's most critical oil transportation corridors. Amid escalating tensions between Iran and the United States and Israel, the safety of shipping through the waterway has come under increasing strain, raising concerns among international maritime authorities and energy markets.