Two oil tankers caught fire after striking naval mines while crossing the Strait of Hormuz, according to Iran's Revolutionary Guards Navy.
The vessels were each carrying about two million barrels of crude oil when they hit the mines.
State media reported that the tankers had turned off their positioning and radar systems and were using an unauthorized route through the waterway.
One tanker was left immobilized after the mine strike; the other also suffered a mine hit while attempting the same unsanctioned transit.
Maritime officials said a container ship and a dry bulk carrier sank nearby after being struck by projectiles in separate incidents.
The attacks come amid heightened tensions in the strait, a vital oil shipping lane, with disruptions linked to the US-Israeli conflict on Iran contributing to higher global energy prices and inflation.
Iran said it has increased strikes in response to a US blockade of its ports and new sanctions imposed last month, while attacks on merchant vessels have risen over the past two weeks.
Cover image: Germash19, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
As Editor in Chief of The Maritime, I lead content development, interviews, and digital storytelling across our multimedia maritime platform. With over 10 years of experience in the maritime industry, I create and publish in-depth stories and video features that highlight key players, emerging trends, and operational realities across global shipping. Before launching The Maritime, I worked as a Vessel Operator at Imza Marine A.S., gaining hands-on commercial shipping and voyage operations experience. I also served as Marketing Communications Specialist at Gimas Ship Supply & Services, where I managed corporate communication, digital strategy, and industry outreach for shipowners and maritime clients. I hold a Master’s degree in Maritime Transportation Management from Istanbul Technical University and a Master’s degree in Publishing from Marmara University. My work is driven by the belief that the maritime world deserves strong, informed, and accessible media representation. I am committed to sharing the stories of maritime professionals and contributing to the sector’s visibility, knowledge exchange, and future development.
