TEHRAN, November 2026 : Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy has claimed that two oil tankers caught fire and exploded after hitting naval mines while attempting to cross the Strait of Hormuz through what it described as an unauthorised route.
In a statement issued on Friday night through its official outlet, Sepah News, the IRGC Navy said the vessels had violated Iranian regulations by entering the strategic waterway without coordinating with its traffic-control centre. One of the ships was identified as a supertanker. Both vessels had allegedly switched off their radar and navigation systems before attempting the crossing.
The Iranian Navy warned shipowners and shipping companies that vessels ignoring its instructions and attempting to pass through the strait without prior coordination could face similar consequences.
Iran tightened restrictions on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz on February 28, following joint strikes by Israel and the United States on Iranian territory. Tehran subsequently barred safe passage for vessels belonging to or affiliated with the two countries, according to reports.
The latest announcement follows similar claims made by the Iranian Army on Thursday. The Army said two oil tankers caught fire after entering a prohibited area east of the Strait of Hormuz and striking naval mines. According to its statement, the vessels had switched off their radar systems and entered what it described as a forbidden and unsafe zone despite repeated warnings.
The IRGC Navy had also reported on Wednesday night that two supertankers carrying more than four million barrels of oil were disabled by explosions while attempting to cross the strait. It said the vessels ignored repeated warnings that the southern shipping route was unauthorised and unsafe.
Separately, Iran's Army Chief Commander, Amir Hatami, reiterated the country's military preparedness amid rising regional tensions. Speaking on Thursday, Hatami highlighted the readiness of the armed forces, particularly air defence units, to respond to any potential threat.
"If the enemy makes a mistake once again and commits an act of aggression against our country, it will face even heavier blows," he said, according to the Army's official website.
The developments come amid heightened tensions in the Gulf region, with Iran asserting tighter control over maritime movement through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
(Disclaimer :The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the Mavericknews30 team.)
