Iran says two tankers catch fire after hitting mines in Strait of Hormuz

As of October 18, 2026, Iran's Revolutionary Guards reported that two oil tankers carrying more than two million barrels each of crude oil caught fire after hitting naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz. The first incident occurred on Saturday when a tanker hit a mine and triggered an explosion, according to the IRGC. A second tanker reportedly also struck a mine and was engulfed in flames later that day. Iran's official news agency IRNA stated both vessels had deactivated their navigation systems and were using unauthorized routes. Since late February, Tehran has demanded all ships seek its authorization before transiting through the strait, which typically handles about one-fifth of global oil shipments. The origins of the crude oil and the tankers' flags were not disclosed.

On October 14, a Singapore-flagged container ship named GFS Pride, carrying 2,824 TEUs, sank after being hit by an unknown projectile in the Strait of Hormuz; all 21 crew members were safely evacuated. Meanwhile, another vessel, the Antigua and Barbuda-flagged Cape Dao, was reported to be sinking close to the strait following a previous attack on September 23. These incidents coincide with a surge in Iranian attacks that have dramatically reduced oil shipments through the strategic waterway ahead of the US midterm elections scheduled for November 3, 2026.