Iran says tanker hit mine on unauthorised Hormuz route

Summary

NDTV reports that Iran demanded ships seek authorization before transiting and that a tanker on an unauthorised route hit a mine and caught fire in the Strait of Hormuz. Middle East Eye says Iran’s IRGC navy reported the tanker struck a naval mine in the southern Strait and accused it of switching off its navigation system. This follows earlier reports that Iran said an unnamed vessel was ablaze near Hormuz after entering a prohibited zone with its tracking systems disabled.

Timeline

1. Middle East Eye

   18 Oct 2026, 21:30 UTCSource ↗

   Middle East Eye reports that Iran’s IRGC navy said an oil tanker hit a naval mine and caught fire in the southern Strait of Hormuz, accusing it of switching off its navigation system.

2. NDTV

   19 Oct 2026, 06:01 UTCSource ↗

   NDTV reports that a tanker on an unauthorised route hit a mine and caught fire in the Strait of Hormuz, and says Iran demanded that ships seek authorization before transiting.