Iran Says Two More Oil Tankers Hit Mines in Hormuz
by Athens Bureau · Greek City TimesIran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) says two additional oil tankers have struck sea mines in the Strait of Hormuz, leaving both vessels severely damaged and unable to continue sailing.
The reported incidents, announced late Saturday, November 7, mark another escalation in tensions surrounding one of the world’s most strategically important maritime shipping routes.
According to Iranian state television, the tankers were travelling through an area Tehran had designated as unsafe. The IRGC Navy alleged that both vessels had switched off their navigation and tracking systems before attempting to pass through an unauthorised route in the eastern section of the strait.
Read more: Iran Threatens Data Centres, AI Infrastructure and US Assets Across the Gulf
Iranian authorities claim the explosions caused significant structural damage, including cracks in the vessels’ hulls. Reports also indicated that fires broke out following the explosions, forcing the ships to stop.
The identities of the tankers, their flags, ownership and cargo have not been disclosed. There has also been no information about the condition of their crews.
The allegations have not been independently verified, and no confirmation from the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) or US Central Command (CENTCOM) was immediately available.
Further Incidents Reported in Recent Days
The latest announcement follows a series of similar claims by Iran.
On Friday, November 6, the Revolutionary Guards reported that two other oil tankers had struck mines and caught fire in the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran accused the United States of supporting attempts by the vessels to navigate through prohibited routes.
On Wednesday, November 4, Iran claimed that four oil tankers had been destroyed by mines in the southern passage of the strait. Similar announcements have been made repeatedly since mid-October.
Tehran maintains that the Strait of Hormuz remains closed and says restrictions will continue until seven conditions set by Iran are met.
Iran has also warned that US efforts to guide oil tankers through routes it claims have been mined will fail.
US Naval Blockade Adds to Regional Tensions
The incidents are unfolding amid the ongoing conflict between Iran and the United States, which began on February 28.
Before the conflict, approximately one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas supplies passed through the Strait of Hormuz, making it a critical artery for global energy markets.
Washington has imposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman, while Tehran continues to assert control over the strategic waterway.
Although the intensity of direct exchanges has declined compared with the opening weeks of the conflict, tensions remain high, with both sides continuing to take military action.
In a separate incident, a US military aircraft struck the stern of the St Kitts and Nevis-flagged vessel Huda with precision-guided munitions, disabling it in the Gulf of Oman.
CENTCOM said the crew had been instructed to leave the areas targeted before the strike. Washington claimed the vessel was attempting to breach the naval blockade.
Sea Mines Pose Serious Threat to Global Shipping
Sea mines remain among the most significant threats to commercial shipping in the region.
Unlike targeted military strikes, mines can endanger vessels regardless of their nationality or ownership. Locating and clearing them requires specialised equipment and can take considerable time.
The repeated reports of mine incidents are raising concerns among international shipping companies, insurers and energy markets, particularly given the Strait of Hormuz’s importance to global oil supplies.
If the latest Iranian claims are confirmed, the incidents could further complicate efforts to restore safe commercial navigation through the waterway.
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