Iran’s IRGC Says Two Oil Tankers Caught Fire After Explosions While Crossing the Strait of Hormuz

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy has claimed that two oil tankers caught fire following explosions while attempting to cross the Strait of Hormuz, including a supertanker reportedly struck by a naval mine.

According to the account, the first vessel was attempting to pass through the strategic waterway when it hit a mine, triggering an explosion and fire.

The second tanker reportedly suffered an explosion and caught fire while allegedly traveling under the escort of U.S. fighter jets. That detail has not been independently corroborated, and the available IRGC statements do not establish that American aircraft were accompanying the vessel.

Neither tanker was identified in the account, and no information was provided about their crews, possible casualties or the extent of the damage.

The claims follow similar announcements by the IRGC Navy, including a November 8 statement alleging that two tankers struck mines after entering shipping routes Tehran considers unauthorized. Those incidents have not been independently confirmed.

The Strait of Hormuz has become a major flashpoint in the war between Iran and the United States, with Tehran restricting shipping through parts of the waterway while Washington enforces a naval blockade against Iranian ports.

The danger to commercial shipping has grown considerably. According to figures reported by Reuters on November 10, the International Maritime Organization has recorded 130 maritime security incidents in the region since the war began in February, with at least 25 seafarers killed.