Two Oil Tankers Explode While Transiting the Strait of Hormuz

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed two oil tankers exploded while transiting the southern part of the Strait of Hormuz in the early hours of Monday (20/7/2026) local time. According to the IRGC, both vessels are now unable to continue their voyage. The IRGC stated the ships entered a shipping lane deemed unsafe due to military pressure from the United States. In its account, the IRGC said four vessels initially ignored Iran’s warnings and continued through the route. Two ships subsequently turned back, whilst the other two pressed on until explosions were reported. The IRGC also warned that the Strait of Hormuz would not be a safe passage for oil, gas, or fertiliser carriers as long as what it termed ‘American aggression’ persists in the region. ‘Ships that are influenced by the words of the American side and enter the unsafe route will certainly meet with accidents,’ the IRGC asserted in its warning. The IRGC further stated that the US military must prepare to face retaliation for what it called this ‘illegal violation’. The countries of origin and the names of the ships involved in the incident remain unclear. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) previously reported that military authorities had indicated a vessel was on fire in waters 8 nautical miles, or 14.8 kilometres, northwest of Kumzar, Oman. The cause of the vessel fire has not been clearly confirmed. The incident comes amid escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran and the US are vying for control of the strategic waterway vital to global oil and gas supplies. In recent weeks, Tehran and Washington have exchanged attacks following strikes on ships in the Strait of Hormuz, which are believed to have been orchestrated by Iran. US military forces struck Iranian targets on land and at sea, whilst Tehran retaliated by targeting Washington’s military bases in Gulf states. The renewed fighting has scuppered a ceasefire agreement mediated by Pakistan.