Iran's Revolutionary Guard reports four tankers hit mines in Hormuz Strait

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said on Tuesday that four commercial tankers hit naval mines while sailing through the Strait of Hormuz on unauthorized routes, and that the vessels sustained damage but no crew injuries were reported. The IRGC released the statement after the ships, all flagged by foreign owners, entered the narrow waterway near the Iranian coast earlier in the day. The ministry’s navy command said it had placed the mines in response to what it called “illegal navigation” by foreign vessels.

The Strait of Hormuz is a vital oil corridor, carrying about a fifth of the world’s petroleum supplies. In recent months, Iran has warned that it will treat any ship that does not follow its declared navigation rules as a hostile target. The warning follows a series of confrontations, including the seizure of a British-flagged tanker in April and the downing of a U.S. drone in June. International sanctions have tightened pressure on Tehran, and the country has increasingly used asymmetric tactics, such as laying mines, to signal its resolve without direct military engagement.

Shipping companies confirmed that the four tankers, each carrying between 300,000 and 500,000 barrels of crude, reported explosions near their hulls. No casualties were confirmed, and crews were evacuated to safety by nearby vessels. The United States Navy, which maintains a presence in the Gulf, said it was monitoring the situation and would “respond appropriately” to any threats against merchant shipping. Iran’s foreign ministry called the incidents “a warning to those who ignore our sovereign rights” and urged other nations to respect the new navigation guidelines.

Analysts say the episode could tighten oil prices and prompt a reassessment of shipping routes. If the mines remain active, carriers may be forced to take longer detours around the Arabian Sea, raising costs and delivery times. Diplomatic channels are expected to open quickly, with the United Nations and major oil‑producing nations likely to call for an investigation. The incident underscores the fragile balance in the Gulf, where a single spark can ripple through global markets and diplomatic relations.