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Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) says two oil tankers and a tugboat caught fire in separate incidents in the Strait of Hormuz.
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The Iranian military claims one tanker struck a sea mine while attempting to navigate a passage south of the strategic waterway.
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A second supertanker reportedly caught fire in the eastern section of the strait, while a tugboat that approached to assist was also engulfed in flames.
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The incidents have heightened concerns over maritime security and global energy supplies amid escalating tensions involving Iran, the United States and Israel.
November 5, (THEWILL) – Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has reported fresh maritime incidents in the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, claiming that two oil tankers and a tugboat caught fire in separate occurrences, including one allegedly triggered by a sea mine strike.
The IRGC Navy said one of the oil tankers struck a mine while attempting to navigate a passage south of the Strait of Hormuz, subsequently catching fire and being forced to stop.
In a separate incident, another supertanker reportedly caught fire while leaving the same route in the eastern section of the waterway. A tugboat that approached the vessel to assist with firefighting operations also caught fire, according to the Iranian military.
The announcement was made on Thursday and reported by Iranian state-linked Tasnim News Agency.
The IRGC accused the vessels of attempting to use what it described as unauthorised shipping routes through the strait, warning of the dangers of navigating passages outside those approved by Iranian authorities.
However, the Iranian military did not identify the vessels, disclose their nationalities or provide details about possible casualties, the number of crew members on board or the extent of the damage.
There was no immediate independent confirmation of the alleged mine strike or the fires involving the three vessels. The circumstances surrounding the incidents, including the identities of the vessels and their operators, remained unclear.
Iran Warns Against Unauthorised Shipping Routes
In its statement, the IRGC maintained that its naval forces continued to exercise control over maritime movements through the Strait of Hormuz. It accused vessels attempting to navigate routes outside those authorised by Iranian authorities of exposing themselves to serious risks.
The Iranian military also accused the United States of encouraging ships to use what it described as mined waterways, alleging that such actions had resulted in heavy financial losses.
The IRGC further claimed that its electronic warfare unit had successfully landed two Lucas-type drones and taken control of them, although it did not provide additional details about the alleged operation.
The latest announcement comes amid heightened tensions over access to the Strait of Hormuz, with Iran increasingly asserting restrictions over maritime traffic through the waterway.
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Fresh Incidents Follow Earlier Mine Strike Claims
Thursday’s announcement follows other claims by Iran concerning attacks on commercial vessels navigating the strategic passage.
On November 4, the IRGC had claimed four oil tankers were destroyed after striking naval mines while attempting to use a route south of the strait that Tehran had designated as prohibited.
The Iranian military also claimed that two other vessels had been seized in connection with the incidents.
Separately, Oman announced on October 30 that it had rescued 25 crew members from a burning crude oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz. The vessel, identified as RITI and reportedly flying the Panamanian flag, was involved in an incident whose cause was not immediately established. Al Jazeera, citing Oman’s Maritime Security Centre, reported the rescue operation.
The succession of reported maritime incidents has raised concerns over the safety of commercial vessels operating in the Gulf, particularly as tensions involving Iran and its adversaries continue.
Global Energy Supplies Face Uncertainty
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important maritime energy corridors, linking the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea.
It serves as a major transit route for crude oil, petroleum products and liquefied natural gas exported by Gulf energy producers to international markets.
Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and Iran are among the major oil-producing countries whose exports depend significantly on the passage.
According to the US Energy Information Administration, a significant proportion of global petroleum liquids consumption passes through the strait, making it a critical artery for international energy trade.
Any prolonged disruption to commercial navigation could affect global energy supplies, increase transportation and insurance costs and trigger volatility in international oil markets.
The waterway has remained a major flashpoint amid the conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel, with maritime restrictions and military confrontations adding to uncertainty over commercial navigation.
The latest reported fires have further intensified concerns over the security of the passage, as the international shipping industry faces renewed uncertainty over the safety of vessels navigating one of the world’s busiest oil-exporting routes.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
