Iran Claims 2 Oil Tankers Hit Mines and Exploded in Strait of Hormuz, US Military Calls It False

Iran's Revolutionary Guards said on Saturday, July 18, 2026, that two oil tankers attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz struck mines and caught fire, a claim that was swiftly disputed by the United States military. The Guards, in a statement carried by state news agency IRNA, said the tankers exploded while "trying to pass through the minefield south of the Strait of Hormuz by deceptive American intelligence agencies," though the vessels were not identified by name. The claim comes amid escalating tensions in the vital waterway, with Iran warning ships against using southern shipping corridors that the US has been attempting to protect.

IRGC Warns Sailors Against Entering 'Minefield'

The Revolutionary Guards cautioned that shipping crews should stay away from the area to avoid losses. "To protect their capital and, more importantly, their lives, the sailors should not be deceived and enter the minefield," the statement said.

US Central Command issued a sharp denial of the claim on social media platform X, stating, "Like most IRGC claims, this is false." US-Iran Tensions: Washington Hits More Bridges in Tehran in Expansion of Its Airstrike Campaign.

Four Ships 'Stopped' In Separate Operation, Iran Says

In a separate statement carried by Iran's state broadcaster, the Guards said they had halted four vessels attempting to cross the strait. "In the past hours, four violating ships with the support of the terrorist U.S. Army were trying to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, and all four ships were stopped in place during a combined missile and drone operation," the statement said. US-Iran War: IRGC Claims Fresh Strikes on US Military Sites in Syria, Kuwait and Oman Under Operation Nasr-2.

Iran has once again virtually shut down the Strait of Hormuz for a week, seeking to control the strategically vital waterway. Tehran has been directing tankers and cargo ships to use only channels close to its own coastline, north of the strait, while avoiding southern routes.

US Reimposes Naval Blockade, Continues Airstrikes

In response to Iran's threats to shipping in the strait, the United States reimposed a navy blockade against Iranian ports. Washington has also continued nightly airstrikes on targets inside Iran, aimed at degrading Tehran's ability to monitor and threaten the strait.

The developments come alongside reports that US airstrikes have damaged Iran's Chabahar port, with India confirming no damage to its own terminal there. Bahrain and Kuwait have also reported Iranian fire as US strikes have expanded to target additional bridges in the region.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 18, 2026 07:17 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).