Tanker explosions and mine strikes reported in the Strait of Hormuz

Between November 12 and 14, 2026, a series of maritime incidents occurred in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) reported that multiple tankers, including a liquefied natural gas carrier, were damaged by explosions after striking naval mines. Iranian authorities claimed the vessels ignored warnings and attempted to traverse unauthorized or restricted routes. While state media reported that four oil tankers were struck on Thursday alone, subsequent updates from the IRGC indicated further incidents throughout the week.

The region has experienced a surge in such maritime attacks since the onset of the conflict in the Middle East in late February, with approximately 50 ships reported hit by mines since October. According to the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, at least 10 vessels were struck in the first ten days of November. While Tehran asserts control over the waterway and enforces restrictive movement, the United States maintains that it has largely cleared the area of mines. Additionally, Iranian state media reported a separate hostile strike in the southern province of Hormozgan, though details regarding casualties or damage remain unconfirmed.