Iran Claims Two Oil Tankers Hit Mines in Strait of Hormuz

Commercial vessels at sea in a representational photograph. Iran’s IRGC Navy claimed two oil tankers struck naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz on November 1, 2026. The vessels pictured are not identified as those involved. Photo: AP

UKMTO separately reports a vessel struck by an unidentified projectile; Saudi Arabia and UAE condemn an earlier attack on a Qatari LNG carrier

Key Highlights

• Iran’s IRGC Navy claims two tankers, including a supertanker, suffered explosions after striking naval mines.
• Iranian authorities allege the vessels used an unauthorised route and ignored warnings.
• UKMTO issues a separate alert following a Mayday report concerning a projectile strike.
• Available reports do not establish whether the UKMTO alert concerns either tanker mentioned by Iran.
• An earlier attack on the Qatari LNG carrier Al Mayeda draws regional condemnation.

Tehran: Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy has claimed that two oil tankers, including a supertanker, suffered explosions after striking naval mines while travelling through what it described as an unauthorised route in the Strait of Hormuz.

The claim, reported by Iranian state media on Sunday, November 1, comes amid further reports of attacks on commercial shipping in the Gulf. The identities of the two tankers, the extent of damage and their crews’ condition were not established in the reports reviewed.

Iran Alleges Vessels Ignored Warnings

According to Press TV’s account of a statement from the IRGC Navy’s Public Relations Office, one tanker was engulfed in flames after a powerful explosion.

The Iranian force alleged that both vessels had switched off their navigation and identification systems and disregarded repeated warnings against entering restricted routes.

These allegations remain attributed to the IRGC Navy; independent confirmation of the circumstances was not available in the cited reporting.

UKMTO Reports Separate Projectile Incident

Separately, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations reported an incident in the Strait of Hormuz at approximately 1509 UTC on November 1.

The agency said a merchant vessel’s master had relayed a Mayday message heard on VHF Channel 16, reporting that another vessel had been hit by an unidentified projectile.

UKMTO advised ships transiting the area to exercise caution and report suspicious activity while authorities investigated.

The alert described a reported projectile strike, while Iran’s account concerned alleged mine explosions. Available information does not establish that these reports relate to the same vessels or event.

Earlier Attack on Qatari LNG Carrier

The developments followed an earlier attack on Al Mayeda, a liquefied natural gas carrier belonging to Qatar Gas Transport Company, also known as Nakilat.

According to reporting citing Qatar News Agency, the vessel was struck by unidentified objects in Gulf waters on Friday, October 30. Its crew remained unharmed, no environmental impact was reported, and the vessel was described as safe and operational.

Saudi Arabia condemned the targeting of the carrier, expressing solidarity with Qatar and calling for action to protect maritime navigation and global energy supplies. The UAE also condemned the attack.

Earlier Tanker Incident Near Oman

In another incident reported on October 30, UKMTO said a small boat approached a tanker approximately 25 nautical miles northeast of Khasab, Oman, and attached two explosive devices to its hull above the waterline.

According to the supplied report, the resulting explosion caused an engine-room fire and temporarily disabled the vessel. All crew members were subsequently reported safe, with no environmental impact.

The series of reports highlights continuing risks to merchant shipping in the region. Establishing the vessels involved, the weapons used and responsibility for each incident remains essential as maritime authorities investigate.