Brief

Iran says seven oil tankers damaged in Strait of Hormuz overnight

Iran's Revolutionary Guard navy said four tankers were targeted and three struck mines, while a UK monitor did not confirm the incidents.

By Felo News Desk · Published Thu, 22 Oct 2026 09:47:08 GMT

Iran's state television reported that seven oil tankers were either set ablaze or damaged by naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz overnight on Thursday, according to statements from the Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) navy.

What happened

The IRGC said four of the vessels were transferring oil when they were targeted and caught fire, and a further three were immobilised after striking naval mines. No details on casualties or the flags of the tankers were provided.

What the reports add

Both Independent articles convey the same tally of seven affected tankers. The later piece notes that the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations did not report the attacks, although recent monitoring has shown some shippers hesitating to file incident reports. The earlier article highlights that the IRGC warned any U.S. attempts to guide commercial ships through “illegal passages” could trigger retaliation against U.S. bases in the region.

What was said

"Any U.S. attempts to allow the transit of oil tankers through ‘illegal passages’ in the strait may expand the Revolutionary Guard’s reaction to include U.S. bases in the region," the IRGC navy statement read, as reported by the Independent.

Iran’s top diplomat Abbas Araghchi told reporters on Wednesday that Tehran remains open to diplomacy but is prepared to defend itself, the Independent noted.

How it came about

These incidents follow a two‑week surge in attacks that Felo News documented on 14 October, when 24 commercial vessels were hit in the strait, cutting oil flows to 2.9 million barrels per day. Earlier, on 11 October, the IRGC reported a supertanker striking a mine after disabling its tracking system. The ongoing war that began on 28 February with U.S. and Israeli strikes has seen Iran repeatedly threaten U.S. bases after each escalation.

Key facts

Seven oil tankers were damaged or set on fire in the Strait of Hormuz overnight. (independent.co.uk)
Four tankers were targeted while transferring oil; three struck naval mines. (independent.co.uk)
The IRGC warned U.S. bases could be targeted if the U.S. continues to guide ships through the strait. (independent.co.uk)
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations did not report the attacks. (independent.co.uk)
Iranian diplomat Abbas Araghchi said Tehran remains open to diplomacy but ready to defend itself. (independent.co.uk)