Mines Ignite Fierce Fires on Two Oil Tankers in Strait of Hormuz Amidst Iran-US Tensions

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has reported that two oil tankers, each laden with approximately two million barrels of crude oil, caught fire after striking naval mines in the strategic Strait of Hormuz. According to the IRGC, the first tanker experienced an explosion and a "fierce fire" upon hitting a mine. Subsequently, the second tanker also struck a mine, resulting in it being engulfed in a "massive blaze," as detailed by Iran's official IRNA news agency. Details regarding the names of the vessels or the origin of their oil cargo were not immediately disclosed.

IRNA further stated that the tankers had deactivated their positioning and radar systems and attempted to navigate an unauthorized route. The IRGC also alleged that one tanker was transiting the waterway "with US support," while the second vessel was left immobilized. Iran asserted control over the Strait of Hormuz following the commencement of the US-Israeli war against the country in late February, subsequently requiring all ships to obtain its authorization before passage. Prior to the war, approximately one-fifth of global oil consumption utilized this vital waterway.

This incident follows a warning from IRGC naval commander Rear Admiral Ali Azmaei earlier in the week, who declared that any vessel disabling its navigation systems would be deemed "hostile." The United States has implemented its own naval counter-blockade against Iranian oil exports. Earlier, Iran's army had reported that two tankers caught fire on Thursday and Friday within Tehran's "prohibited zone" in the Gulf of Oman. Maritime monitors also indicated that two tankers were struck in Gulf waters off the coast of Saudi Arabia on Friday.

Last Sunday, six vessels were attacked in or near the Strait of Hormuz, marking the highest number of attacks in a single day since the war began, according to security firm Vanguard, the International Maritime Organization, and the UK maritime agency UKMTO. Attacks in the vicinity of the waterway have escalated over the past two weeks, with Iran attributing the increased strikes to the US blockade of its ports and stricter sanctions imposed last month.

Data from Kpler shows a significant drop in oil transit through the Strait, from nearly 20.8 million barrels on October 8 to only 2.9 million on October 11. This disruption has contributed to a rise in global energy prices and inflation. In related news, US President Donald Trump stated in a Newsmax interview on Thursday that he has explicitly ruled out using nuclear weapons against Iran and is not considering deploying troops on the ground. Trump expressed his belief that a deal to end the war would be reached after the US midterm elections on November 3.