Strait of Hormuz Tensions Escalate as Iran Says Naval Mines Set Two Oil Tankers Ablaze

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has said two oil tankers caught fire after striking naval mines while attempting to cross the Strait of Hormuz through routes Tehran considers unauthorised. The announcement, made on Tuesday, October 20, comes amid escalating tensions over control of the strategic waterway, a critical route for global oil shipments.

According to a statement published by the IRGC’s official news outlet, Sepah News, the vessels struck mines laid by Iranian naval forces while attempting to pass through what Tehran described as an illegal crossing point south of the strait. The IRGC said both tankers were set ablaze and brought to a halt. The Iranian military did not identify the vessels or specify when the incidents occurred. Details about casualties, the extent of the damage and the ships’ cargoes were not immediately available in the reports. Donald Trump Rejects Iran's War Reparations Demand, Files Counter-Claims for US Casualties.

IRGC Says Oil Tankers Used Unauthorised Route

The IRGC accused the two vessels of attempting to cross the Strait of Hormuz through a southern route that Iran considers prohibited. It warned that ships using the mined passage would face serious consequences. Iranian forces have increasingly sought to control maritime traffic through the strait, demanding that vessels obtain authorisation before transiting the waterway. Tehran has also warned ships against switching off their navigation and identification systems while operating in the region.

The latest announcement does not independently establish the circumstances surrounding the incidents. The IRGC’s account of the alleged violations and the cause of the fires could not be independently verified in the available reporting.

Iran Also Claims It Shot Down US MQ-9 Reaper Drone

In a separate development, the IRGC said its air defence forces had shot down a US MQ-9 Reaper drone over the Strait of Hormuz on Monday night. According to the Iranian military, its forces were monitoring the region when the drone was detected and destroyed. The claim adds to tensions between Tehran and Washington over military operations and maritime security in the Gulf. The drone incident had not been independently confirmed in the available reports. Iran’s Air Defence Capabilities Surpass Pre-war Levels, Says Army Spokesman Brigadier General Akrami-Nia Amid US Strike Threats.

Strait of Hormuz Tensions Threaten Global Oil Supplies

The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and is one of the world's most important energy shipping routes. Before the current conflict, approximately one-fifth of global oil consumption passed through the waterway, making disruptions there a major concern for energy markets. The latest incidents follow a series of attacks on commercial vessels in and around the strait in recent weeks. Iranian forces have repeatedly reported tankers striking naval mines while attempting to use routes Tehran considers unauthorised.

A separate report on Tuesday said a third tanker had exploded and caught fire after striking a naval mine south of the strait, according to Iran's Revolutionary Guards. The vessel was reportedly carrying more than two million barrels of crude oil, although the claims have not been independently verified. The growing risks to shipping have also affected energy markets. Oil prices rose in early trading on Wednesday as traders assessed the threat of further disruptions to crude supplies from the Middle East.

US-Iran Standoff Adds to Maritime Security Concerns

The incidents come amid a wider confrontation between Iran and the United States over the security and control of the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has sought to restrict maritime traffic through the waterway, while Washington has imposed a counter-blockade on Iranian ports.

The situation has increased uncertainty for shipping companies and energy traders, with repeated reports of vessel attacks raising concerns about the safety of commercial navigation.

Further details about the two tankers, possible casualties and the extent of the damage remain unclear. Independent confirmation of the Iranian military's claims was not available at the time of publication.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 21, 2026 08:13 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).