Iran Claims 2 Oil Tankers Catch Fire After Hitting Naval Mines In Strait Of Hormuz

Two oil tankers burst into flames after running into naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz early on November 8, 2026, according to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

In a statement on its outlet Sepah News, the IRGC Navy said one vessel struck mines east of the strait, while the second was hit as it crossed the waterway.

Both tankers had reportedly turned off their navigation and GPS systems and were burning after the blasts, the Guards added. They were trying to use what Tehran calls an unauthorised route.

The tankers were not named, and their nationality was not disclosed. Nobody outside Iran has verified the claim so far.

The IRGC went on to warn that any ship cooperating with the ‘aggressive’ U.S. military and entering this region against Iranian rules would definitely hit mines.

Earlier on Saturday evening, explosions were heard in several parts of southern Iran, including Qeshm Island which lies inside the strait. State TV in Iran added that no missile strikes had been confirmed by officials, and that the blasts could have come from Iranian military activity in the waterway.

Iran also said a third vessel caught fire.

Separately, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said that American aircraft disabled the St. Kitts-flagged cargo ship M/V Huda in the Gulf of Oman, as its crew kept ignoring warnings while trying to run the blockade on Iran.

Since the war began on February 28, Tehran has insisted that ships use only the routes it authorises, and the U.S. responded by blockading Iranian ports. In usual times, nearly 20% of global oil use is shipped via this route.

This comes after CENTCOM said not long ago that the strait had been cleared of all mines.

References: IANS/Morung Express, Reuters via LBC, AFP via Manila Times/The Hindu, Moneycontrol, Xinhua.