IRGC says tanker caught fire after hitting mines in Strait of Hormuz

Iran has intensified its pressure on maritime shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, reporting a series of attacks against vessels following the start of the Iran war in late February. On November 5, 2026, Iranian forces reported that five oil tankers and a tugboat caught fire after striking naval mines in the strategic waterway. Iranian officials stated these actions serve to keep shipping in peril while the conflict with the United States and Israel remains unresolved. On November 6, 2026, a separate incident occurred involving the Marshall Islands-flagged tanker MT Velos Sapphire, which was hit by a suspected missile attack in the Gulf, resulting in the death of one seafarer. Most recently, on November 13, 2026, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) reported that a tanker carrying liquefied natural gas (LNG) struck a mine and suffered an explosion. The IRGC claimed the vessel caught fire after ignoring warnings and attempting to navigate an "unauthorised and dangerous route" through the waterway. These recurring incidents highlight the continued risk to international shipping as Tehran maintains its restrictions on the passage.