'Supertanker' carrying 2 million barrels of oil struck by mine in Strait of Hormuz

'Supertanker' carrying 2 million barrels of oil struck by mine in Strait of Hormuz Iran has managed a chokehold on the waterway since the war started. Share Article Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Bookmark Add us as preferred source Comments By Tannur Anders 04:37, Sat, Oct 17, 2026 Updated: 04:41, Sat, Oct 17, 2026 Iran laid mines in the Strait of Hormuz and an oil tanker was struck (Image: Getty) The navy arm of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has said that a supertanker carrying more than two million barrels of crude oil struck a mine and caught fire in the Strait of Hormuz .

In a statement reported by state media, the IRGC claimed that the vessel was attempting to use an unauthorized route through the waterway. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT "The tanker switched off all positioning and radar systems and attempted to pass through the Strait of Hormuz by deception and with the support of the smuggling and terrorist US military," the IRGC Navy said in the statement, according to reports by Iran International English.

"The Strait of Hormuz is closed," the IRGC said. It warned vessels against violating Iranian rules governing passage through the strait. Get the latest news from around the world and more I would like to receive emails from the Daily Express featuring our latest products, services, offers, and promotions from across the Reach Plc family . Subscribe Invalid email You agree you are 18 or over. We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you.

This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. You can unsubscribe at any time. More Info . Trump to 'rename Strait of Hormuz' after himself as he makes 'announcement' WW3 fears erupt as Iran threatens ‘US terrorist army’ after seizing submarine Iran has managed a chokehold on the critical waterway since the war started more than seven months ago. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT The US and Israel carried out joint strikes on several key Iranian sites on February 28 and Iran retaliated by hitting US bases and allies across the Middle East.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT Iran also closed the Strait of Hormuz and laid mine to deter vessels from trying to transit the waterway, through which about 20% of global oil traded passed prior to the war. The attack on the supertanker is the latest in a spate of mine strikes on vessels in the strait. A UAE-owned cargo ship caught alight and sank on Wednesday after being struck by a mine in the waterway. Footage circulating on social media showed packets of perfume bottles and iPhone boxes floating near the sunken vessel as people fished them out of the water.

The Singapore-flagged container ship, GFS Pride, was carrying the items from Dubai when it caught fire and sank this week after being hit by a projectile. The 21 crew members onboard were safely evacuated, according to Singapore's Maritime and Port Authority. Iran Oil Share Article Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Bookmark Add us as preferred source Comments