Published on 17/10/2026 – 11:22 GMT+2•Updated 11:25
A super tanker has caught fire after striking a sea mine in the Strait of Hormuz, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) reported on Saturday. According to a statement released through Iranian state media, the vessel—carrying over two million barrels of oil—was navigating an unauthorized route when it hit the mine, triggering a massive explosion and fierce blaze. The precise location of the incident remains unconfirmed.
Fars News Agency shared footage allegedly depicting the burning tanker at sea.
The IRGC navy accused the tanker of disabling its tracking systems to avoid detection, further claiming the ship violated Iranian regulations for passage through the strategic waterway.
“The Strait of Hormuz is closed, and the consequence of defying Iranian regulations in the Strait of Hormuz is burning in the fire of trust in the terrorist US army,” the IRGC navy stated.
The Strait of Hormuz serves as a critical global chokepoint for oil and gas shipments, long a focal point of escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran, especially since the outbreak of hostilities in late February.
In response to U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian territory, Iran moved to restrict access through the strait, which typically handles approximately 25% of the world’s seaborne oil trade. This prompted the U.S. to implement a naval blockade on Iranian ports.
The U.S. military has consistently rejected assertions of IRGC dominance over the strait, noting that commercial vessels continue transiting the area “despite unwarranted IRGC aggression.”
In a recent briefing on Friday, Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), emphasized ongoing collaboration with regional allies and maritime partners to ensure safe passage. “Let me be clear: the Strait of Hormuz is controlled by the United States and our regional partners, not Iran,” he asserted. “It remains open for business.”
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