Four Tankers Hit in Strait of Hormuz: Oil, Routes & US Response
Four oil tankers caught fire in the Strait of Hormuz after explosions and mine strikes, Iran's military said, as the US escorts vessels through the oil route.
Image: Wikimedia Commons / DVIDSHUB
DUBAI, Nov. 13 — Four oil tankers were hit by explosions in the Strait of Hormuz this week, Iran's military said on Thursday, in the latest attacks on shipping through the waterway that carries about one-fifth of the world's oil.
Iran's Revolutionary Guards Navy said two supertankers were disabled by explosions on Wednesday night after they ignored warnings against using an unauthorised southern route. The two vessels carried more than four million barrels of oil and were left burning, the Guards said. Iran's army later said two more tankers struck mines on Thursday afternoon in the eastern strait. On Friday, the Guards said a gas carrier had also struck a mine east of the strait; the vessel was not named.
Key Takeaways
- Two supertankers carrying more than four million barrels of oil were disabled by explosions on Wednesday night, the Guards said.
- Two more tankers struck naval mines on Thursday afternoon in the eastern Strait of Hormuz, according to Iran's army.
- A gas carrier was said to have hit a mine east of the strait on Friday; the vessel was not named and the claim has not been independently verified.
- The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations agency confirmed one vessel was hit by a projectile 14 nautical miles northwest of Ras Al-Khaimah, causing an engine-room fire.
What Happened to the Four Tankers in the Strait of Hormuz
The Guards said the supertankers ignored repeated warnings and were immobilised after a "violent explosion". Iranian state media reported that both vessels exploded after hitting naval mines.
Iran's army said the second pair had ignored warnings, disabled their radar and hit mines, giving no details of flags, cargoes or casualties. The account could not be independently verified, and the vessels have not been named.
How Much Oil Passes Through the Strait of Hormuz and Why It Matters
The strait normally carries about one-fifth of global oil, making disruption a concern for energy markets. Oil prices rose on Thursday, with US crude up 2.6% and Brent crude near $96 a barrel.
At least 10 ships were hit in the first 10 days of November, after 37 in October, according to Washington Institute data.
What Is the US Naval Blockade and How Does It Affect Tanker Traffic?
The United States has imposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports and is helping tankers cross the strait. The United States military said the strait remains open and it continues to escort commercial vessels through the waterway. Washington has also repositioned military aircraft in the region, as reported in The Apex Wire's report on US military moves.
On Thursday, Iran's state news agency IRNA reported that the southern port city of Sirik, east of the strait, had been hit by "enemy fire". The report named no attacker and gave no details of damage or casualties.
Talks have produced no breakthrough, and President Donald Trump removed Vice-President J.D. Vance from the negotiating team, as reported in The Apex Wire's report on the talks.
| Date | Incident | Reported by |
|---|---|---|
| Wed night, Nov. 11 | Two supertankers disabled; 4M+ barrels aboard | Revolutionary Guards Navy |
| Wed, Nov. 12 | Vessel hit by projectile off Ras Al-Khaimah | UK Maritime Trade Operations |
| Thu, Nov. 12 | Two tankers hit mines in eastern strait | Iranian army |
| Thu, Nov. 12 | Sirik explosions; Iran says "enemy fire" | IRNA |
| Fri, Nov. 13 | Gas carrier said to hit mine east of strait; vessel unnamed | Revolutionary Guards Navy |
Frequently Asked Questions
Were the four tankers in the Strait of Hormuz carrying oil?
Two were supertankers carrying more than four million barrels of oil, the Revolutionary Guards Navy said. Iran's army did not disclose the cargoes, flags or names of the other two.
Is the Strait of Hormuz still open to shipping after the tanker explosions?
The United States military said the strait remains open and it continues to escort commercial vessels through the waterway. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations agency continues to issue reports.
How many ships have been attacked near the Strait of Hormuz in November 2026?
At least 10 ships were hit in the first 10 days of November, after 37 in October, according to Washington Institute data.
What caused the explosions on the tankers in the Strait of Hormuz?
Iran's military said two tankers hit naval mines and two supertankers were disabled by explosions on a route Tehran calls unauthorised. The account is unverified.
Iran's military has not named the vessels or reported any casualties.
