IRGC Says a Supertanker Hit a Mine in the Strait of Hormuz; UKMTO Reports a Projectile Strike on Another Tanker

According to Al Jazeera, the IRGC Navy said on Saturday night, 18 Mehr 1405 (October 10, 2026), that an unnamed crude oil supertanker hit a naval mine and suffered a major fire while using an unauthorised route with its navigation systems turned off. The IRGC warned that any oil tanker that ignores the "security and rules" of the strait would meet a similar fate.

On Sunday, 19 Mehr (October 11), the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that an unidentified projectile struck a tanker heading outbound through the Strait of Hormuz, and that ship masters near Ras al-Khaimah in the UAE had been told by radio to move from their anchorages. The UAE said its coastguard rescued 22 crew members after a fire at a tanker close to its shores; the cause was not stated.

Al Jazeera cites Kpler data, reported by CNBC, showing crude passing through the strait averaged 8.5 million barrels per day in the week ended 15 Mehr (October 7), about 40 percent below the normal level. US Central Command says that since reimposing its blockade in mid-Tir (July) it has disabled four commercial vessels, turned around 135 ships and destroyed 10 tankers linked to Iran. Al Jazeera reports that mediated efforts to end the war remain deadlocked, with no breakthrough expected before Israel's election on 5 Aban (October 27) and the US midterm vote on 12 Aban (November 3).