Iran says tankers struck in Hormuz amid fears of new US attack
News Source
β’Thu, 05 Nov 2026 18:47:10 +0000
π° What Happened
Iran says at least five tankers have been damaged in the Strait of Hormuz. The Revolutionary Guard told the Fars news agency that a large oil tanker struck a mine in a passage south of the strait and caught fire. A second supertanker was stopped by fire as it left the eastern side, and a tugboat sent to help it also burned. The army later said three more tankers hit mines.
Iran's forces said shipping would stay in danger as long as the war with the United States and Israel continues. There are also fears that Washington is preparing a new attack on the country.
π The Backstory
The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow sea route between Iran and Oman. About one fifth of the world's oil normally passes through it on ships. When the war on Iran began in late February, Tehran started limiting traffic through the waterway. That has pushed oil prices up and made shipping insurance far more costly.
Iran calls routes outside its approved path illegal and warns that ships using them are at risk. Mines are cheap and hard to find, so even a few can scare ship owners away.
π― Why It Matters
Hormuz carries about a fifth of the world's oil, so attacks there can push up fuel, food and delivery costs for people far from the Middle East.
Iran says at least five tankers have been damaged in the Strait of Hormuz. The Revolutionary Guard told the Fars news agency that a large oil tanker struck a mine in a passage south of the strait and caught fire. A second supertanker was stopped by fire as it left the eastern side, and a tugboat sent to help it also burned. The army later said three more tankers hit mines.
Iran's forces said shipping would stay in danger as long as the war with the United States and Israel continues. There are also fears that Washington is preparing a new attack on the country.
The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow sea route between Iran and Oman. About one fifth of the world's oil normally passes through it on ships. When the war on Iran began in late February, Tehran started limiting traffic through the waterway. That has pushed oil prices up and made shipping insurance far more costly.
Iran calls routes outside its approved path illegal and warns that ships using them are at risk. Mines are cheap and hard to find, so even a few can scare ship owners away.
Hormuz carries about a fifth of the world's oil, so attacks there can push up fuel, food and delivery costs for people far from the Middle East.