2 tankers caught fire after hitting naval mine in Hormuz, Iranian navy says

Commercial vessels and oil tankers preparing to transit through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the most critical strategic waterways for global trade flows, maintain their wait in the Gulf of Oman, on June 17, 2026. [Shady Alassar – Anadolu Agency]

Iran’s navy said Saturday that two oil tankers caught fire in the eastern Strait of Hormuz after hitting a naval mine, Anadolu reports.

“Fire and explosions are the fate of tankers involved in illegal activities that have turned off their tracking systems and are operating in restricted areas,” the navy said in a statement carried by Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency.

The statement did not identify the tankers, their flags or the extent of the damage. There was no immediate independent confirmation of the incident.

READ: Trump says US ‘doesn’t need’ deal with Iran, claims control of Strait of Hormuz

The Strait of Hormuz, a strategic shipping route connecting the Gulf with the Gulf of Oman, has faced repeated disruptions since the US-Israeli military offensive against Iran began on Feb. 28.

Iranian forces have previously reported similar incidents involving commercial vessels entering restricted waters, while tensions over maritime access and the US naval blockade remain central to diplomatic efforts between Tehran and Washington.

READ: UN warns of rising maritime attacks, urges restoration of safe navigation in Strait of Hormuz, Red Sea

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