Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has reported that two oil tankers caught fire in the Strait of Hormuz after allegedly striking naval mines while attempting to use routes Tehran considers unauthorized.
The announcement, carried by Iranian state media on Friday, November 6, comes a day after Iran reported similar incidents involving five other tankers and a tugboat. The latest developments have raised further concerns about commercial shipping security in one of the world’s most important oil transportation routes.
According to the IRGC, the two vessels were traveling through separate locations near the strategic waterway when they encountered mines. Both ships reportedly caught fire and were forced to stop.
Iran Says Two Tankers Hit Naval Mines in Hormuz
In a statement broadcast by Iranian state television, the IRGC said one tanker was located east of the Strait of Hormuz, while the second was inside the waterway.
Iranian authorities alleged that both vessels were attempting to leave the strait through unauthorized shipping routes. The military also claimed that the ships had switched off their navigation and identification systems before the incidents occurred.
The IRGC further accused the United States military of supporting the vessels’ movements through the disputed routes. However, these allegations have not been independently verified.
The Iranian military did not publicly identify the two tankers or provide detailed information about their operators, cargo origins or the extent of the reported damage.
Five More Tankers Reportedly Caught Fire on Thursday
The latest announcement follows another series of reported maritime incidents on Thursday, November 5. Iranian media said five oil tankers and a tugboat caught fire in separate incidents around the Strait of Hormuz.
The IRGC initially reported that one tanker struck a mine while attempting to cross a passage south of the strait. Another supertanker reportedly caught fire while leaving a route in the eastern section of the waterway.
A tugboat that approached the second vessel to assist with firefighting operations also reportedly caught fire.
Iran’s army subsequently reported that additional tankers had struck naval mines in the region. However, it remains unclear whether all the reported incidents involved separate vessels.
No Independent Confirmation of Tanker Fires
Despite the statements from Iranian military authorities, maritime officials have not independently confirmed the reported tanker fires.
The absence of independent verification leaves important questions about the vessels involved, the causes of the incidents and whether naval mines were responsible for the reported damage.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has separately reported security incidents involving commercial vessels in the wider Gulf region, highlighting the continuing risks facing international shipping.
The situation remains particularly sensitive as commercial operators and shipping companies assess the security of routes connecting the Persian Gulf with international markets.
Why the Strait of Hormuz Matters to Global Oil Supplies
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most strategically important maritime passages. It connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, providing a major export route for oil-producing countries.
Approximately one-fifth of global oil consumption normally passes through this narrow waterway. Any prolonged disruption can affect international energy shipments, shipping costs and oil market stability.
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has significantly complicated maritime operations. Iran has sought to restrict shipping movements through the strait, while the United States has imposed a blockade on Iranian ports and supported tanker movements in the region.
US Central Command said last month that American efforts had helped Gulf countries export 1.5 billion barrels of oil through the Strait of Hormuz since the summer. It has also stated that mines have been cleared from the waterway.
The latest Iranian claims have added another layer of uncertainty for shipping companies operating in the region, particularly those transporting crude oil and other energy products through the Gulf.
