Iran claims two tankers and tugboat caught fire in Strait of Hormuz
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have reported fires involving two oil tankers and a tugboat in the Strait of Hormuz, although the incidents remain unverified.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said on Thursday, November 5, that the three vessels caught fire in separate incidents overnight after allegedly attempting to navigate unauthorized routes through the strategic waterway, according to Reuters. According to the IRGC statement, one large tanker struck a naval mine while attempting to pass through a route south of the Strait of Hormuz. The vessel reportedly caught fire and came to a halt.
In a separate incident, another supertanker reportedly caught fire while leaving the route in the eastern part of the strait. A tugboat that approached the vessel to assist with firefighting operations also caught fire, Iranian authorities said.
The IRGC did not identify the vessels or provide information about their flags, crews, possible casualties or the extent of the damage.
The claims have not been independently verified, according to the Associated Press.
UKMTO reports tanker incident
Meanwhile, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) issued Warning 196-26, reporting that a tanker had been struck by two unidentified projectiles approximately 50 nautical miles north of Madinat ash Shamal, Qatar.
The incident occurred on November 4 at approximately 2320 UTC. UKMTO said the condition of the crew, the extent of vessel damage and any environmental impact remained unknown.
UKMTO WARNING 196-26 Click here to view UKMTO Products⤵️ https://t.co/qYMrPp5pMc #MaritimeSecurity #MarSec https://t.co/E4D2N9kqkA
— UKMTO Operations Centre (@UK_MTO) November 5, 2026
Authorities are investigating, while vessels operating in the area have been advised to transit with caution and report suspicious activity.
There is currently no confirmation that the incident reported by UKMTO is connected to the vessels mentioned in the Iranian statement.
Growing risks to commercial shipping
The developments follow a series of security incidents affecting commercial vessels in and around the Strait of Hormuz.
On November 4, a tanker was struck by two unidentified projectiles near Oman, while Iranian authorities separately claimed that four other tankers had been destroyed after striking naval mines. Those Iranian claims have not been independently verified.
Earlier, a seafarer was killed following an attack on a commercial vessel near Oman, highlighting the risks facing crews operating in conflict-affected waters.
The latest reports underscore the continuing threats to vessel and crew safety, including possible mine hazards, projectile attacks, onboard fires and difficulties conducting emergency response operations in the region.
With the circumstances of the reported incidents still unclear, enhanced security monitoring, careful voyage planning and preparedness for emergencies remain essential for vessels operating in and around the Strait of Hormuz.
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