IRGC Navy Says Supertanker With Over 2 Million Barrels Struck a Mine in Hormuz and Caught Fire

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy's public relations office said on Saturday, 17 October 2026, that a supertanker carrying more than 2 million barrels of crude, which tried to cross the Strait of Hormuz by an "unauthorised" route, struck a mine and suffered an explosion and a severe fire. The IRGC says the vessel had switched off its positioning and radar systems, and it stated that the strait is closed. ISNA and Khabaronline carried the statement, and Al Jazeera included it in its live coverage.

Al Jazeera separately reported that US President Donald Trump claims the US Navy's "effective" blockade has stopped all Iranian ships from crossing the strait. The tanker's name, flag and the extent of damage have not been given in the reports seen, and the incident has not been independently confirmed. Brent closed near $110 on Friday, 16 October, and the strait carries a large share of Persian Gulf oil.