Iran Says Two Tankers and a Tugboat Caught Fire in Strait of Hormuz Amid Rising Vessel Attacks
Iran's Revolutionary Guard reported fires on two oil tankers and a tugboat in the Strait of Hormuz, while the UK maritime agency noted a separate incident involving a tanker hit by projectiles.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said on Thursday that two oil tankers and a tugboat caught fire while transiting the Strait of Hormuz. One tanker reportedly struck a naval mine south of the strait, and another ignited as it moved eastward; the tugboat that attempted to assist also burst into flames, the IRGC said.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations, linked to the Royal Navy, issued a separate alert about a tanker 50 nautical miles north of Madinat ash Shamal, Qatar, that was struck by two unidentified projectiles. The agency said crew safety, damage extent and environmental impact remain unconfirmed.
The incidents come as attacks on vessels in the region have increased in recent weeks, even as crude oil flows have eased from earlier peaks. Data cited by Reuters show Middle Eastern crude, condensate and fuel exports fell to 17.1 million barrels per day in October, down from 18.9 million barrels per day in September.
Tanker-tracking firms note that many ships are disabling transponders to avoid detection, prompting greater reliance on satellite imagery to verify movements through the strait.