Two Oil Tankers Catch Fire After Striking Naval Mines in Strait of Hormuz

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) reported that two oil tankers, each carrying approximately two million barrels of crude, caught fire after striking naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz. The incident occurred as the vessels allegedly attempted to traverse the waterway using unauthorized routes while keeping their navigation and radar systems deactivated. Tehran has maintained strict control over the strait since the onset of the US-Israeli conflict in late February, mandating that all vessels obtain authorization before transit.

According to the official IRNA news agency, the first vessel suffered a fierce fire following an initial explosion, while the second was engulfed in a massive blaze shortly thereafter. The IRGC alleged that one of the tankers was operating with US support, further escalating tensions in the region. Maritime security data from firms like Vanguard and the UKMTO indicates that attacks in the Gulf have surged significantly, with six vessels targeted in a single day last week, marking the highest frequency since the conflict began.

The disruption to this vital maritime chokepoint has had immediate economic consequences. Kpler data shows a dramatic drop in oil throughput, falling from 20.8 million barrels on October 8 to just 2.9 million by October 11. This volatility has triggered a spike in global energy prices and exacerbated inflationary pressures. Iran has explicitly stated that these strikes are a direct response to the ongoing US naval counter-blockade of its ports and the imposition of stringent economic sanctions.

Despite the heightened military activity, US President Donald Trump has ruled out the use of nuclear weapons or the deployment of ground troops in Iran. In a recent interview, Trump expressed optimism that a diplomatic resolution to the conflict could be reached following the November 3 US midterm elections. As the situation remains fluid, the international community continues to monitor the Strait of Hormuz, where the IRGC has warned that any vessel deactivating its navigation systems will be treated as a hostile entity.