Oil tankers catch fire after hitting mines in Strait of Hormuz

What happened

On Saturday three oil tankers caught fire after colliding with naval mines in the eastern part of the Strait of Hormuz, according to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy and ReutersAaj Tak (Hindi)Amar Ujala (Hindi). Later that day two more oil tankers also struck naval mines in the strait, causing explosions and fires on both vesselsAaj Tak (Hindi)Amar Ujala (Hindi). After receiving warnings from the IRGC Navy traffic‑control centre the two later tankers altered their course and turned back toward the Persian Gulf instead of continuing through the straitAaj Tak (Hindi)Amar Ujala (Hindi). The IRGC Navy said the two later tankers were attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz without permission, had disabled their automatic identification systems and were trying to enter the strategic waterway covertlyAaj Tak (Hindi)Amar Ujala (Hindi).

The details

State media reported that the first tanker was struck by a naval mine in the morning in the eastern Strait of HormuzAaj Tak (Hindi). Iranian officials said the two later tankers were trying to use a prohibited sea route when they collided with the explosive minesAaj Tak (Hindi). Iran has imposed restrictions on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz and says ships that violate these rules are targetedAaj Tak (Hindi). Authorities accused the owners of the tankers of sending vessels into the prohibited areaAmar Ujala (Hindi). Earlier another oil tanker incident in the region involved a vessel catching fire after hitting an explosive mineAmar Ujala (Hindi). The tanker owners reportedly relied on assurances from U.S. President Donald Trump despite the risksAmar Ujala (Hindi). The incidents were highlighted as significant amid rising regional tensionsAmar Ujala (Hindi). Iranian media also used the phrase वे अपनी पूंजी को बारूदी युद्ध में भेज रहे हैं और उसे आग में झोंक रहे हैं in their coverageAmar Ujala (Hindi).

Who is reporting what

Aaj Tak emphasized the IRGC Navy warnings, the alleged use of a prohibited route and Iran’s broader restrictions on strait traffic. Amar Ujala added that the owners had counted on assurances from the U.S. president, referenced a prior mine‑related tanker fire and reproduced a Hindi statement condemning the actions as fueling a gunfire war.

Context and impact

The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow chokepoint through which a large share of global oil passes. Naval mines present a severe hazard to commercial shipping and any incident that sparks fires or explosions can disrupt flows and heighten geopolitical friction.

What we do not know yet

The exact extent of damage to the vessels, the identities of the tankers and the verification of the owners’ reliance on U.S. assurances remain unclear.