The vessels, each carrying about two million barrels of crude oil, used an unauthorised route, the IRGC says.
Published On 18 Oct 2026
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has confirmed that two oil tankers, each transporting approximately two million barrels of crude oil, were destroyed by fires after colliding with naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz. The first vessel exploded upon striking a mine, resulting in an intense blaze, while the second was overcome by a large-scale inferno after hitting a similar mine, according to Iran’s official IRNA news agency.
The IRGC asserts that the vessels had disabled their navigation and radar systems to navigate an unauthorized route through the strategic waterway. One tanker allegedly attempted to transit with U.S. support, while the other became immobilized, according to Iranian officials.
Iran has asserted control over the Strait of Hormuz since late February, following the initiation of U.S.-Israeli operations against the country. Tehran now mandates that all maritime traffic seek its permission before transiting the channel, which previously handled roughly one-fifth of global oil consumption. This week, IRGC naval commander Rear Admiral Ali Azmaei warned that any vessel disabling its navigation systems would be deemed hostile.
The United States has implemented a naval counter-blockade against Iranian oil exports. Earlier, Iran’s military reported two tankers catching fire in the Gulf of Oman, within Tehran’s designated “prohibited zone.” Maritime monitoring agencies also documented two additional tankers struck off the coast of Saudi Arabia on Friday.
Security reports indicate a surge in maritime attacks in the region over the past two weeks, with Iran claiming increased operations in response to U.S. port blockades and expanded sanctions. According to Kpler data, oil transit through the Strait dropped sharply from 20.8 million barrels on October 8 to just 2.9 million barrels on October 11.
The escalating disruptions have contributed to rising global energy prices and inflationary pressures.
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