Multiple oil tankers struck in the Strait of Hormuz

On November 12, 2026, multiple oil tankers were damaged by explosions and sea mines while traversing the Strait of Hormuz. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps reported that initially, two tankers were immobilized after ignoring warnings to avoid an unauthorized route. Later reports indicated that a total of four additional tankers were struck by naval mines in the area. Tehran claims control over this critical maritime chokepoint, where nearly one-fifth of the world’s hydrocarbons historically passed before the regional conflict began. Authorities have described these incidents as accidents resulting from unauthorized navigation or mine strikes.

Since October, nearly 50 vessels have reportedly been damaged by mines in the region. While the U.S. has maintained that it has largely cleared the Strait of mines, Iran continues to assert that vessels entering restricted zones face extreme risks. Additionally, state media reported a separate hostile military strike in the southern Hormozgan province, though officials provided no further details regarding potential casualties or the specific nature of the attack. Investigations into these maritime incidents and the strike in Hormozgan are ongoing as regional tensions persist.