Iran declares Hormuz closed after supertanker hits mine and catches fire

Summary

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard navy has again declared the Strait of Hormuz closed after a supertanker caught fire after hitting a mine, according to Middle East Eye, citing Iran’s official IRNA news agency. Al Jazeera reports that the IRGC said the tanker was carrying more than 2 million barrels of crude and taking an unauthorised route; Hindustan Times says it was carrying 2 million barrels and reports that it exploded. Middle East Eye also reports that at least two other tankers have been hit off Saudi Arabia’s coast since the previous day, according to the UKMTO.

Timeline

1. Al Jazeera

   17 Oct 2026, 00:00 UTCSource ↗

   Al Jazeera reports that Iran’s IRGC says a supertanker carrying more than 2 million barrels of crude caught fire after taking an unauthorised route and hitting a mine in the Strait of Hormuz.

2. Hindustan Times

   17 Oct 2026, 07:58 UTCSource ↗

   Hindustan Times reports that Iran’s guards say a supertanker carrying 2 million barrels of oil hit a naval mine and exploded in the Strait of Hormuz.

3. Middle East Eye

   17 Oct 2026, 11:06 UTCSource ↗

   Middle East Eye reports that Iran’s IRGC navy again declared the Strait of Hormuz closed after the supertanker caught fire, and that at least two other tankers were reported hit off Saudi Arabia’s coast, according to the UKMTO.

4. The Hindu

   17 Oct 2026, 13:55 UTCSource ↗

   The Hindu reports that the Guards’ navy said a supertanker was hit in the Strait of Hormuz and caught fire.