IRGC Navy Says a Liquefied Gas Carrier Hit a Naval Mine and Exploded East of the Strait of Hormuz

In a statement published on Friday 13 November 2026 (22 Aban 1405), the public relations office of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy said a liquefied gas carrier had tried a few hours earlier to cross the southern route of the Strait of Hormuz, east of the strait, despite repeated warnings, and suffered a "very powerful explosion" and fire after hitting a naval mine. The IRGC called the route "unauthorised and dangerous".

The statement says the vessel had chosen to transit with the backing of US fighter jets. The IRGC Navy stressed that it manages the strait "with firmness and seriousness" and that any vessel that breaks Iran's rules and enters unauthorised lanes will meet the fate of earlier ships. The text gives no name, flag, owner, cargo or casualty figure for the ship, and the sources read did not offer independent confirmation of those details or of the claim of US fighter cover.

On Thursday 12 November (21 Aban), the IRGC and the army had also reported explosions and fires on two tankers east of the strait, while US Central Command (CENTCOM) said the main transit lanes remained free of mines.