Two Oil Tankers Explode While Transiting the Strait of Hormuz
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has claimed that two oil tankers exploded whilst crossing 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.
As reported by detikNews, the IRGC said the ships had entered a shipping lane considered unsafe under pressure from the United States (US) military.
In its statement, the IRGC said there were initially four vessels that ignored Iran’s warnings and continued through the lane. Two ships then turned back, whilst the other two continued sailing until they were reported to have exploded.
The IRGC also warned that the Strait of Hormuz would not be a safe route for ships carrying oil, gas or fertilisers for as long as what it called “American aggression” continued in the region.
“Ships influenced by American words and entering the unsafe route will certainly meet with accidents,” the IRGC declared in its warning.
Furthermore, the IRGC said the US military must be prepared to face retaliation for what it called this “illegal violation”. The countries of origin and the names of the ships affected by the incident remain unclear.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) previously said military authorities had reported a vessel on fire in waters 8 nautical miles, or approximately 14.8 kilometres, north-west of Kumzar, Oman. The cause of the fire has not been confirmed.
The incident occurred as tensions continue to rise in the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran and the US are vying for control over the strategic waterway, which is vital to global oil and gas supplies.
In recent weeks, Tehran and Washington have resumed attacking one another following strikes against ships in the Strait of Hormuz believed to have been orchestrated by Iran.
US forces have bombed Iranian targets on land and at sea, whilst Tehran has retaliated by targeting American military bases located in Gulf states.
The renewed fighting has derailed a ceasefire agreement mediated by Pakistan.