Two oil tankers catch fire after striking naval mines in Strait of Hormuz

Two oil tankers exploded and caught fire south of the Strait of Hormuz on November 14, 2026, after striking naval mines. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy reported that the vessels were attempting unauthorized passage through the maritime corridor. One of the affected vessels was identified as a supertanker.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy stated that the tankers had deactivated their radar and positioning systems. This action was part of an attempt to conduct a covert transit through an unauthorized corridor. The IRGC Navy also reported that two additional tankers, which were also attempting unauthorized transit, returned to Persian Gulf waters after receiving warnings from the maritime traffic control center. The IRGC Navy warned that vessels ignoring maritime traffic warnings and entering unauthorized routes face similar risks.

Previous maritime incidents

The Iranian Army previously reported on November 12, 2026, that two oil tankers caught fire after hitting naval mines in a forbidden region east of the Strait of Hormuz. This follows a report from the IRGC Navy on November 13, 2026, claiming that two supertankers carrying over 4 million barrels of oil were disabled by explosions in the strait.

In a separate incident reported by the Iranian Army public relations office on November 13, 2026, a US MQ-1 drone was detected, targeted, and destroyed in the Kuhestak area on the coast of Sirik. This military activity occurs amid ongoing tensions in the region.

Regional conflict and blockade

The current maritime instability follows a conflict between Iran and the United States that began in late February 2026. This conflict was initiated following US and Israeli strikes on Iranian territory. The United States maintains a naval blockade of Iranian ports and provides military escorts for tankers along the coasts of Oman.

The Strait of Hormuz remains a highly strategic maritime route. Prior to the war that began in February 2026, the strait accounted for one-fifth of global hydrocarbon supplies passing through the corridor. While the United States claims to have largely demined the maritime corridor, Iranian forces report frequent explosions due to naval mines.

The IRGC Navy stated regarding the recent fire: "Two tankers attempting to covertly cross the Strait of Hormuz by switching off radar and positioning systems exploded and caught fire after hitting naval mines."

Glossary

• Strait of Hormuz — The Strait of Hormuz is a highly strategic maritime route. It is a maritime corridor that has accounted for one-fifth of global hydrocarbon supplies.
• IRGC Navy — The IRGC Navy is a naval force that monitors maritime traffic and reports on vessel movements through the strait. It manages maritime traffic control and issues warnings to vessels entering unauthorized routes.
• Persian Gulf — The Persian Gulf is a body of water containing maritime routes. It is a region where vessels may return after receiving maritime traffic warnings.
• Iranian Army — The Iranian Army is a military force that reports on maritime incidents and explosions in forbidden regions.
• MQ-1 drone — The MQ-1 drone is an unmanned aerial vehicle. It has been detected, targeted, and destroyed in the Kuhestak area.