Iran's Guards say two oil tankers explode after hitting mines in Hormuz
Iran's Revolutionary Guards claim two oil tankers were damaged by mines in the Strait of Hormuz, an assertion the U.S. military has officially denied. Tensions remain high as Iran attempts to restrict shipping lanes while the U.S. maintains a naval blockade and conducts airstrikes in the region.
Why it matters
The escalating conflict in the Strait of Hormuz threatens global energy supplies and risks a broader military confrontation between Iran and the United States.
Iran's Revolutionary Guards said on Saturday (July 18, 2026) that two oil tankers transiting through the Strait of Hormuz hit mines and exploded, a claim disputed by the U.S. military.
"An hour ago, two oil tankers, which were trying to pass through the minefield south of the Strait of Hormuz by deceptive American intelligence agencies, exploded and caught fire," the Guards said in a statement published by state news agency IRNA , without identifying the tankers.
"To protect their capital and, more importantly, their lives, the sailors should not be deceived and enter the minefield," they said.
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) issued a brief denial, saying on X, "Like most IRGC claims, this is false."
The Guards said separately on Saturday (July 18) that they had "stopped" four ships trying to transit the Strait of Hormuz.
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