Two oil tankers explode after hitting mine in Hormuz Strait, IRGC spokesperson says

What Happened

On Sunday, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy spokesperson announced to state media channel Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting that two oil tankers exploded after hitting Iranian mines while transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The spokesperson claimed the tankers were in violation of regulations, traveling on an unauthorized route with navigation and identification systems switched off, and alleged they were attempting to pass covertly with the support of the 'terrorist US military.' One of the vessels was described as a supertanker engulfed in flames following a powerful explosion and later brought to a halt. Separately, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) Center reported that an oil tanker passing through the Strait of Hormuz was hit by an unknown projectile earlier on Sunday, according to the master of a nearby tanker. The IRGC Navy spokesperson also claimed responsibility for two Friday tanker incidents, saying two enemy oil tankers sustained damage and caught fire after striking naval mines in the eastern Strait of Hormuz, and asserted that an enemy vessel—described by Iran as a US unmanned vessel—was struck and destroyed. There was no immediate confirmation from the US military.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The incidents target the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important oil export routes, amid what the article describes as a conflict between the US and Iran since February. Iran's claimed mine strikes and threats against unauthorized transit signal an effort to assert control over the waterway and pressure Washington, raising risks to commercial shipping, energy flows, and direct US-Iran escalation.

Watch For

Watch for confirmation or denial from the US military regarding Iran's claim of a destroyed US unmanned vessel, further UKMTO incident reports or advisories, and any additional IRGC Navy statements announcing mine strikes, transit restrictions, or warnings to vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.