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A crude oil supertanker capable of carrying around two million barrels of oil reportedly exploded after striking a naval mine while attempting to cross the Strait of Hormuz, according to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
In a statement issued on October 10, 2026, the IRGC Navy said the vessel was attempting to leave the strategic waterway through an unauthorised route.
It alleged that the tanker had switched off its navigation and positioning systems before attempting the passage.
The explosion was reportedly visible from coastal areas.
The IRGC did not identify the vessel, disclose its flag or ownership, or provide details about the cargo and possible casualties in its initial announcement.
The incident came amid heightened tensions over maritime access to the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil and energy shipments.
Iran has warned vessels against using routes it has not authorised and threatened to target ships attempting to pass without permission.
However, a separate maritime security report said a tanker captain reported that the vessel had been struck on its port side by an unidentified projectile, causing a fire.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reportedly said the crew was safe, while the extent of the damage and the environmental impact remained unknown.
The available reports do not conclusively establish whether this was the same vessel described by Iran.
The incident highlights the security risks facing commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, through which substantial volumes of the world’s oil supplies are transported.