Iranian forces report two tankers on fire in Strait of Hormuz

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said on Friday, October 30, that two oil tankers caught fire and were stopped in the Strait of Hormuz. Euronews and Arab News PK both reported that the Guard stopped the vessels in the southern waters of the strait after they attempted to use routes that Tehran considers unauthorized. Euronews added that Iranian state media reported the tankers had turned off their navigation systems. [1][9]

The latest incidents follow conflicting statements regarding attacks in the waterway. CBS News, CNBC, and WION reported that Iran claimed four oil tankers had struck mines in the Strait of Hormuz. CBS News also reported that a tanker was hit by a projectile on Thursday night, while Iran International cited the UK maritime agency stating a small boat had planted explosives on a tanker in the strait. [2][3][4][7][8]

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps is a multi-service military force in Iran led by a commander-in-chief who reports to the supreme leader. The escalation comes as the war between Iran and the United States continues after starting in February 2026. As FTMQ News reported earlier, the Guard previously claimed that other crude oil tankers caught fire after hitting naval mines while navigating unauthorized routes in the strait. [10][12][13][14]

The maritime disruptions occur during diplomatic and military developments across the region. Euronews reported that Qatari mediators arrived back in Tehran on Friday for negotiations intended to end the conflict between Iran and the United States. Meanwhile, CBS News reported that the United States Department of Defense added two noncombat deaths to its official war account, bringing the total United States military death toll to 23. [1][2]